The common characteristic of men who pleased God in the Bible is the devotion they showed to God. For example, Abraham’s son Isaac, “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening…” (Genesis 24:63). Or, David’s practice of prayer and meditation. “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17). “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (Psalm 63:6). Our greatest example, the Lord Himself, customarily sought solitary places at times where he could immerse Himself in His devotions to His Father. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35).
While I am typically unimpressed with the books and helps that are supposed to facilitate “devotional time”, the private efforts to focus our minds on prayer, meditation, and Bible reading are a laudable endeavors. Those who seek to draw near to God are successful! As David told his son Solomon, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). God wants this closeness, but it takes effort on the part of man to obtain it. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).
Do you want a closer walk with God? Consider that the first step to drawing closer is spiritual nourishment. That nourishment comes from God’s word! As Peter put it, we are “born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). In the same context he wrote, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (2:2-3).
A second important part of strengthening yourself spiritually is prayer. We live in a world full of anxiety, troubles and dangers. Prayer provides a real remedy for the challenges of our lives. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Here Jesus serves as our primary example. His constant practice was to talk with His heavenly Father through every hardship of life (cf. Matthew 26:36-44).
Knowing that the devotional practices of prayer, study and meditation help to equip us for a more intimate and faithful walk with God, it is now important to make a few practical suggestions to facilitate these habits. Consider the following:
The key is time and place. It is important to find a time where you can practice these habits without interruption. This may differ by individual. For night owls, it might be after everyone else is asleep. For others it might be better to arise for this important thing early, before others do. It is a glorious thing to spend time with the Lord to begin a spiritual productive day. Whatever the time, the key is to find a block of it where you can without distraction spend time with the Almighty God of heaven.
The same thing is true with a place. By example we find Jesus time and again finding an outside place of solitude to commune with His Father. But by teaching we see that Jesus also suggested a solitary place within your abode! “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6).
Finally, consider the importance of developing these devotional efforts into a habit. As much as possible, be consistent with this time and this place, every day engaging in prayer, study, meditation, and praise to God. (Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is a great way to express praise to God). Think of it this way: We talk to God through prayer and praise. We listen to God by immersing ourselves in His word.
David is a great example to emulate. When God chose David to replace Saul on the throne, the reason Samuel gave to Saul was this: “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you” (1 Samuel 13:14). Both a reading of the Psalms, and examining the life of David show him to be one who spent time with, and was devoted to God. We should be like him.
Living in this sinful world our lives are filled with stress and trouble. We are constantly being pulled away from God and all things He has declared as good. If we take the time and make the effort to draw closer to our heavenly Father, we will equip ourselves to attain eternity!
