“The time you spend alone with God, will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then, your integrity and Godly behavior in an unbelieving world, will make others long to know the Lord.”
-Charles Stanley
I love the above quote from Dr. Stanley, believing that it is true beyond the shadow of a doubt.
We will focus much of the lesson on his spiritual wisdom.
We have talked and taught often about developing and maintaining a worshipful attitude that we practice every day of the week and this worshipful attitude works hand in glove with our spiritual growth.
It should be obvious that God doesn’t want just 2 or 3% of our time each week. We know that God wants more. He wants us to commune with Him. He wants us to worship Him. And at times, He wants our undivided attention.
As we begin, let us think honestly about how we are doing in this regard.
Do we commune with God every day? Do we have a worshipful attitude each day? Does God have our undivided attention often? Are we growing spiritually?
Do we spend time alone with God often?
A life lesson we have learned is anything that we want to be good at, we have to practice.
Do you think our spiritual growth is different? Do you think it will just magically happen over time?
No, our spiritual growth also requires a commitment to God and ourselves. After the commitment, it takes effort.
If we want to master something, we must put in many hours honing our skill.
But, before the long hours, we must first make a commitment to being the best we can be by improving our skill.
Without the commitment, the hours of practice will not happen.
Part of that effort should include time alone with God.
Jesus should be our example. He often found time to be alone with His heavenly Father.
Matthew 14:22-23 KJV
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
ALONE WITH GOD
How do we get alone with God? Here are some ideas.
- First, find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted. It can be outside or inside, anywhere that will insure some quiet time to commune with God.
- Make sure to have God’s word with you.
- Calm your mind and “be still and know that He is God.” We must control our minds and stop our thoughts of anything else. Sometimes, this is the most difficult thing to do, but it can be done with practice. Yes, we CAN control our thoughts, no matter how hard Satan tries to keep our minds off of God.
And, Satan WILL try to interrupt your time with God.
- Then we must focus our mind and thoughts on God, lifting His name in praise, thanksgiving, glory and honor.
- Read God’s word, preferably from the Gospels.
Not to see how many chapters we can read, but to understand and connect with God through His word. After reading a few verses, stop and think about what you have read. Meditate on the verses and let God help you with understanding.
Hebrews 4:12 KJV
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Remember, it is not how much we read that is important, but rather how we commune with God as we read His word. Read, think, meditate and pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten.
- Then, immerse yourself in one or more of the comforting Psalms. The 23rd Psalm should always be included.
- Finally, finish with prayer that is centered on God and others, closing with asking God to help us perfect our time with Him alone.
MAKE THE COMMITTMENT AND THEN THE EFFORT
These are just ideas, to get started. Naturally, you can develop your own method of communing with God alone. And it can change regularly.
In conclusion, most things cannot be guaranteed, but I can guarantee that if we commit ourselves and put in the time, we will grow spiritually and we will grow closer to God.
As Dr. Stanly said, “we will be transformed and others will long to know the Lord.”
Remember, it takes commitment and effort. If we put in the time, as often as possible, the transformation will begin.
Romans 12:2 KJV
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 Amplified Bible
2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
RVH