It’s hard to just sit still and have private time with God.  We have our responsibilities, our desires, affections and attentions.  And we think God moves too slow for our fast paced lives.  We want His answers now.  Not tomorrow or after we’ve calmed down.  We want Him to be our spiritual drink to go—give it to us hot and ready, just the way we like it, and also be there the next time to do the same.

A lot of people have written about how to spend time alone with God.  And I could do it here.  However, I have found, at least for me, the primary issue is one of seduction.  That is, if it sounds good enough, I will create time in my day to do it—go to the mall, out to dinner, or spend time with my friends—as long as it promises to make me feel good.

But the word of God does not always have that effect (John 14:23-26; 16:7-15).  So I find that I don’t need tips or hints or ways to trick myself into spending time with God.  I need a daily attitude change of the heart so that I spend the time with God that I need to spend, so I can do the things I am called to do (Ephesians 5:26; Colossians 1:23; John 14:16-17; Galatians 5:19-24).

As we explore the topic of private time with God as it relates to us as African American women, open your heart to discover those extra moments in your day that you really do have to develop your relationship with God.

February 2010

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