Today finding time to hide ourselves alone with God for steady spiritual growth is a lost priority. Many view it as non-essential, as something for those who have nothing to do.
But King David knew his daily need of time alone with God and, though faced with trials and pressures that were pulling him other directions, he vowed that nothing would keep him from meeting with God daily and at the beginning of his day. He vowed:
The rewards of time alone with God are often not immediately evident, and in our impatience we run to something more visibly practical. But there is a self-deception at work here as well. The negative effects of ignoring daily time alone with God are also not immediately visible. It's not like falling off a roof where gravity immediately takes over and swiftly plunges us to the ground.
Unless we make time alone with God a priority, the other hours devoted to our busy schedule will be poorly used. Doing seems so much more practical than praying or meditating on the Word. But the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation on the Word do not constitute idleness. They are rigorous disciplines that are vital to the spiritual life.
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.
(0662 02VIII2008)