Slow And Steady

Sep 12, 2023

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

- Psalm 119:105

When we talk about spiritual depth, what do you think of?

Pastor Jared said in the Go First book: “The measuring stick of faith is not just a well-marked Bible; it is the well-marked hearts of those around us.” Friends, it is not about how much we know, but how well we love. Knowing what love looks like comes from knowing God. And it’s through time spent in silent prayer and the slow reading of Scripture that we get to know Him.

It may look different for you, but this is how I spend my time every morning, seven days a week. I started this rhythm somewhere between 25 to 30 years ago and it still works for me. Even when the kids were growing up, I’d force myself to get up (it used to be 5:30 am) and have that time before I got them up for school. I hope they’d agree… my quiet time made me a kinder mom!

First of all, I’m a kinesthetic learner. I need to create a space to experience God.

My space is a chair on the patio, a candle, my Bible, journal, pens and highlighters, and depending on what time of year, it may include a blanket – or blankets – and a heater! I usually try to get up at 6:00 am, grab a cup of coffee, and go outside.

The Bible says in Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I begin by sitting in silence and watching and listening. The sounds of the morning are beautiful! Birds chirping and singing their morning song, the alpha male hummingbird chasing the others away, and the horizon growing brighter as a new day dawns. Once I’ve had a few minutes to soak it in and thank God for the beauty of His creation, I open my Bible.

I am currently doing a study on some of the Psalms with a devotional I am using. I read a chapter slowly, reread it and ask these questions:

What does it say?
Are there any cultural background notes in my study notes that help me better understand the passage? (I use the NIV Study Bible.)
What does it mean?
How can I apply it to my life?

I then go to the New Testament and read a chapter in one of the Gospels. I’m currently studying Mark, and I often will read it in more than one translation. This is the only time I use my phone and I’m not allowed to go anywhere other than my Bible app! I then ask the same questions.

The Apostle Paul said:

Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

- Romans 12:2

Friends, I guarantee the more time you spend in this practice, and then spend time in prayer, your heart will grow larger.

You’ll be transformed as your mind prioritizes the desires of Jesus. When I pray, I begin by recognizing who God is. I usually thank Him for a few of His attributes. Then I confess my sins, both knowingly and unknowingly. Finally, I pray for the list in my journal of people I’ve told I would pray for as well as family and friends. I close with asking Jesus to remove my desires for the day and help me to see where and how He wants to use me.