We live in a broken fallen world, facing a fierce foe, with feeble flesh. How in the world are we supposed to succeed? We are called to live a miracle– above and beyond what we are able in and of ourselves. Regardless of how hard we try we eventually fail. We need supernatural help that God alone can supply. To be victorious we must appropriate what He has made available.
I can’t help but wonder how many people honestly agree with Job when he said, “..I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12), or the Psalmist who said, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day“(Ps. 119:97). Many seem to think they can get along quite well without it.
We often hear people say, “I’ve just got to take a day to______.” But I can’t remember anyone saying, I’ve just got to take a day to get alone with God. Why? Do they never need days like that? Are other things more important? Would it be a waste of time? Do you worry about what others would think if you said, “I just read my Bible, prayed, and meditated all day”?
To say days like that aren’t necessary is foolish. Just as flowers need sunshine and rain, just as flesh needs food, we need what God alone can provide. Do you really think you can deprive yourself of communion with Christ and not impoverish your soul? If you’re too busy for that you’re just too busy! Those who neglect this will suffer the consequences– no doubt about it.
Spiritual growth is essential to our well being and it can’t happen without nourishment from God’s Word. We are engaged is spiritual warfare and prayer is necessary for victory. Peace of mind is crucial to our success and that is acquired by meditating on Christ. Joy empowers us and it comes through communion with Christ. Now tell me again that you don’t have time for days like this. Sorry, I don’t believe you.
Our godly goals, natural needs, successful service, and personal peace all depend on the quality time that we spend with the Lord. If we crowd Him out we shut the door to all He offers and open the door for all manner of evil to enter in. Call it what you will—daily devotion, quiet time, private prayer, Bible study, you must take time for communion with God or suffer the consequences.
