A New Year's Resolution

By John Schmidt

A new year has begun, and we've just finished living through one of the busiest times of the year. But, in all this hectic activity, we can get too busy. Even though Christmas is a religious holiday, all too often the things most important to our faith (such as time with God) get pushed aside in the rush of hyper-activity.

One of our goals as a church is to cultivate a passionate desire to know God better and to serve him in love. A major part of developing spiritual passion is getting into God's word. Deep down inside, most of us really do want to know God better, but with all the distractions of life, all too often we find ourselves living on spiritual snack food instead of a solid diet of God's Word. How can we do better? Here are a few suggestions I learned years ago from the Scripture Union. (I've shared this before, but it bears repeating.)

• Start with the Basics-Find a Bible translation that you like and maybe get a notebook and pen. Choose a place and time you can concentrate, even if for only 15 minutes. Read, pray, and meditate. By meditate, I mean think about what you've read and apply it to your life by asking a few thoughtful questions: What is the main point of this passage? What do I learn about God? What do I learn about myself? What do I need to believe or do to take a next step with God? Try jotting down some of your thoughts, prayers and feelings. This can become a record of God's faithfulness and a journal of your relationship with God.
• Don't Feel Guilty - Don't focus on guilt about what you haven't done to "pay your dues" to God. Rather, in the time you have, focus on your love for God. Remember God really loves you and wants to meet with you. It's a meeting with the living God, and not just a habit.
• Find a Plan that Fits - Some of us like to read through the whole Bible in a year; others like to do in-depth study. The point is, choose a Bible reading plan or devotional guide and stick to it for awhile. But change things up sometimes, too, for variety.
• Give Distractions to God - When distractions come (and they will!) incorporate them into your devotional time. If your mind wanders, give those thoughts to God in prayer. If the children interrupt, invite them into your lap and read them the Bible.
• Learn to Listen - Prayer is a two-way conversation. Learn to listen to God. Take time to still yourself, and give your worries to God. Reflect on what you see in God's word. What is God saying to you? Look back at your experiences the previous day-how do you see God's hand at work?

How can you have a quiet time in a noisy world? Take the first step. Begin today, and set aside some time to slow down and be alone with God. God has so much he wants to do in our lives, but it's not automatic or mechanical. It comes in relationship. In this new year, make some time to be with God!

(Webmaster's note: See also CPC Study Resources and Read through the Bible in a Year.