Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: Just sit before the Lord

"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said, 'Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me this far?"
Verse 18 of 2 Samuel 7:18-29. NKJV

Spending time alone with God is the key to spiritual growth. He's interested in whatever we want to discuss; all the things on our heart that bother us and weigh us down. But - watch this carefully - the important bit is allowing God to speak to us, instead of speaking non-stop and not giving Him the opportunity to answer our requests and needs! He has so much that he wants to tell us but often, we don't give Him the opportunity. We dash in, fire our problems and needs to Him and then dash out again. We need to sit before Him and listen. David sought to know God. He frequently inquired of Him and spent time in God's presence singing and praising Him.
Note in verse 18 that David sat before the Lord. What does that actually mean? It means he spent quality time alone with God, talking to Him, sharing his heart. He questioned God and God answered him because David sat there and listened closely.
Jesus also used this technique. He more than anyone, needed this. He needed the comfort, strength and encouragement that could only come from His Father. The world was taking pieces of Him, He needed God to replace them. Do you know what I mean?
He also spent time alone with His disciples. He wanted to ensure that they were taught and refreshed and ready to take what the world would throw at them. We also need this, probably more so than the disciples because they had the benefit of walking with Him each day and seeing Him face to face.
We are wise when we determine to spend time alone with Jesus; where there are no distractions, such as the telephone or people calling to see you requiring your attention. This distracts us making us lose our focus. Discipline is needed. If Jesus needed time alone with His Father, then we do more so.
We need to set a regular time that is dedicated to Jesus. The place we do this, is better if it is a solitary place, like a study or a spare bedroom, somewhere where we're less likely to be disturbed. Don't take your mobile to this place! Determine the time and then relax in His presence, with your bible and a notebook and pen.
We must be willing to wait on God. He doesn't always answer us as quickly as we would like Him to. We also need to be more confident before Him. He loves our presence - what father doesn't love to be with his children? We can tend to inhibit our praise and worship. This may possibly be because we feel embarrassed or foolish. Let me tell you, our Father never thinks we're foolish or embarrassing. He adores us and loves the attention we give Him.
Sit in a chair, pace the floor or lay down and just speak to Him but allow Him to speak back to you. Don't hog the conversation. Worship Him; put some music on if need be and make the most of each moment with Him. You'll feel all the better for it.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard