Quiet Time Dynamics

I once went eight months without a quiet time. It was not a good time in my life, but it was a spiritually powerful time. During this period, I was spiritually nurtured by worship services and Christian friends. I struggled with feelings of guilt but just couldn’t bring myself around.

For several months before this dry spell I had set aside several hours a day to seek the Lord. Repeatedly, I had called out to him to change me. When he began to answer my prayers, it was not what I was expecting. Not only my quiet times but all of my life was shaken and transformed by God’s work. It was a confusing period, and I coped by avoiding quiet times altogether. God didn’t reject me during that time. When I was able to begin again, he was there with a warm welcome.

Quiet times go through phases. Sometimes they are rich and sweet, other times dry and boring. This diversity of experience no longer surprises me. My quiet times vary widely because the work of God’s Spirit in my life varies widely. I used to feel guilty about these ebbs and flows. I don’t anymore. Knowing God is an ever-changing experience.

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