Ready for some quiet time

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1. Quiet Time Cannot Be Defined by Time or Place

However, the nature and purpose of quiet time are of great importance.

Thomson explains that Jesus only occasionally felt the need to withdraw into solitude.

Let us briefly consider one event and ask what motivated Him:

In Matthew 14, after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus desired to pray and went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. Soon afterward, He saw His disciples struggling against the waves on the sea and went to them. 

At that moment, rescuing them was more important than remaining in quiet prayer.

2. Every Time of Rest Is Followed by God's Calling

People sought the One who helped them and wanted to keep Him with them. They wanted Him to stay. Yet Jesus' mission was not to remain in solitude, but to proclaim God's message of salvation in many places (Luke 4:42–44).

The same principle applies to us. We need quiet time with Jesus.

For only then can we fulfill His commission: "Go..." and call all people to follow Me—the sick, the poor, the lonely. They are in urgent need of help.

3. What Matters When We Become Still Before God?

The following Latin words help illustrate their deeper meaning:

Silentium – Silence

Noise and busyness distract us from prayerful meditation. Therefore, we must intentionally seek silence, where we can reflect on the open Bible and pray without distraction.

As we meditate in prayer, we often discover that new thoughts begin to unfold and that our spiritual horizon is broadened.

Visio(n):  Vision

Anyone who climbs a mountain is rewarded with a wide view—provided there is no fog.

The Bible can be compared to a mountain landscape: there are hills, quiet valleys, steep cliffs, and lonely mountain peaks. Through prayerful meditation, we gradually recognize different parts of this landscape—for example, individual biblical truths.

For this vision to become clear, the fog of selfishness and self-will must disappear. In the book of Acts, Paul received a clear vision that directed his ministry.

So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 
Acts  16:8-10 (NIV)

Passio – Suffering

Whoever faithfully carries out Jesus' mission knows that it involves sacrifice, self-denial, danger, and suffering.

A Song of David

In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship. 
Psalm 109:4-5 (NIV)

4. Concluding Thoughts

We should not only seek silence, but also strive to live calm and thoughtful lives.

Paul reminds us of what deserves our attention:

And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV)

• Make time for prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship.
• Examine whether your life reflects your convictions.
• Pay attention to your health and personal limits.
• Adequate rest, physical activity, and recreation are beneficial.
• Let your words and actions be marked by honesty, respect, and love.
• Live consciously and responsibly, taking good care of yourself.

5. Prayer

Heavenly Father, Guide and protect me wherever I go. Keep me safe from accidents, illness, and all evil. Grant me peace in difficult situations and open my eyes to the needs of others. Bless my family and everyone I meet today. Help me to live in Your love and in Your peace. Lead me and watch over me. Amen.

Author: Egon Waechter
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