In any relationship if we don’t stop and listen regularly to the other person we are in relationship with, we will end up drifting apart from one another.

We can share a house, a workspace or even a room with someone else, but not ever sit down and take the time to communicate on a deeper level, than “Hi. Bye” “Can you pass the salt, or pick up the kids”.

Our world is busy and we are surrounded by activity and noise. Perhaps many of us have forgotten how to, or even understand fully the importance of both quieting ourselves and spending time being quiet with others. Sadly we can also often allow this to be the case when it comes to our quiet alone times with God. We have become uncomfortable with silence, with quiet, and feel like we have to fill every minute of our day with noise, constant chitchat, and activity.

But when we are too busy it is very hard to be listening.

When we are always planning, it is very hard to be receiving a plan or getting fresh direction.

When we are always speaking over God speaking we simply can’t hear Him.

The bible says, “Even fools are thought to be wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues”. (Proverbs 27:28)

As with all our relationships, there are definite benefits to having regular quiet times with God too.

Quiet alone time with God brings:

1.Peace – we receive peace by refocusing our attention on God. He is big and powerful, and when we focus on Him we get perspective that are problems aren’t’ too big for Him to handle. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

2.Joy -When we get quiet with God He says” give me all your burdens and have my joy instead.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Our hearts get full. Sometimes I feel like my heart is literally going to burst as Jesus fills me with His love and joy. I wonder why I have left it so long to come and sit with Him in the quiet. He is like food for my soul, refreshment to my body, and a salve to my busy mind.

3.Direction – when we get quiet with God, we can hear Him. He is then able to give us direction when we need it. Quietness gives Him the opportunity to direct our paths every day, so that He is leading, and we are following.

“Let me hear your loving kindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul”. (Psalm 143:8)

4.Power and strength – When we get quiet with God, He draws us to Him and fills us with His strength and power. Things that previously looked daunting or impossible, suddenly look possible. When we don’t take time in the quiet with Him it’s like we are operating at quarter of our capacity. “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

5.Answered prayer – When we get quiet with God and read and listen to His words He says, “we shall ask what we will and it will be done for us”. (John 15:5-7) We have this confidence when we pray, because we have taken the time to hear His words, and stay connected to Him. Everything becomes a possiblity!

6.Awareness of God – Heaven is at hand, and the supernatural is happening all around us. When we let go of all the noise, and value quiet in our lives, we can discover this realm all around us. It’s easier to “tune in”, so to speak. However the concerns, worries, and the things of the world, will “pull us out” of this realm. But we mustn’t let them, because God wants us to be involved in what He is doing, so that we can impact the world with the things of heaven instead of being weighed down by the ‘noise” of the world.

God encourages us to,”Think about the things of heaven, not the things of the earth”. (Colossians 3:2)

Today make time in your schedule and day to get quiet with God. It will strengthen you, bringing peace, joy and heaven into your day.

“Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 –God’s word translation)

Prayer: Lord thank you that I can spend time in the quiet with you. Help me to make this a priority in my day, so that I become more aware of you and what you are doing rather than the busyness of life. In Jesus Name. Amen.