Not everyone is carefree. Some live by their day planner. They need to know, in advance, tomorrow’s plans. They have a detailed To-Do list on their phone, which is also synced to their computer; plus, they have a paper version of their daily schedule on their desk. They intentionally check and re-check the schedule on their phone when you ask them about tomorrow. They wonder if they can squeeze anything else into their plan for the day ahead.
Lest you think such schedule-driven people should be ridiculed or mocked, understand this: these are usually highly productive people. These Christians even have their quiet time with the Lord scheduled. The Lord can expect to meet them in that corner, sitting on that chair at that time every day – at 5 AM. He can enjoy their undivided attention until precisely 6:30 AM, at which time something else is scheduled to happen – perhaps breakfast or waking the kids up for school.
These Christians are intentional about their dedicated time with the Lord. Their intentional communion time or devotional time is not sporadic or squeezed in if they have the time. They carve out the time in advance; it is one of their habits in life. In contrast to those who are always “hoping” to find the time, they are self-disciplined.
Some think such rigid practices are far too contrived and mechanical, and Christian living should be much more casual, spontaneous and serendipitous. Have you ever read the biography of anyone who amounted to anything for God? Or even the biography of someone who was successful in this life? They were intentional about their priorities. There was nothing casual or careless about their approach to life. They were focused and deliberate.
Our ultimate example, the Perfect Servant and God’s True Disciple – the Lord Jesus Christ knew what it was to have a daily plan. Each day started the same way for Him. Every morning He was available to receive instructions and words from the Lord God – His Father:
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient Nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. Isaiah 50:4-6. NASB
What a Man! What a Servant!
How seriously do I take the planning and scheduling of my own personal and private time alone with God? Some find it easier to commit to a gym schedule or tee-off times or a summer concert series – than committing to scheduled ‘alone’ times with the Lord.
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“Lord, impress on my heart the need to once again dedicate a quiet time each day to enjoy communion with You. There will be times when I will come for “transactional” reasons – when I have requests or burdens, and I want answers or specific help for that day. But, Lord, may my primary reason for valuing time alone with You be “formational” – a time when getting to know You better will impact my life long-term.”
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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