When I was a college student, I embraced Philippians 3:10 as my life verse. The first part of the verse in the Amplified Bible reads:
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly…
Since then, my life purpose has been to know Christ in deeper and more intimate ways. And as I experience more of Him, I am able to love Him with more of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. To do this has meant spending time with Him—listening to His words in the Scripture and from His Spirit. I continue to learn how to sit quietly with my ears attune to His voice. It helps me to write my prayers in my journal so that my mind doesn’t wander.
It has been helpful to me to use “read-through-the-Bible” tools. When I had young children, it could take me four to five years to read through the whole Bible. Now I can do it in one to two years. Continuing to read the Word as a whole instead of isolated pieces gives me a fuller picture of God, His Kingdom, and His purposes. And keeping the Bible as my primary source—rather than devotional resources—has been essential to staying connected to the Source of life, joy, and rest!
I have intentionally grown in the extended time I spend with the Lord as well. As a college student, I would give my Sunday afternoons to be with Him. As a young mom, a couple hours in the library were like an oasis in a very demanding season of life. When my children were in school, I would spend Wednesday mornings in prayer and the Word. Now I can spend a day or a weekend devoted to Him. Extended time with God helps my daily time in the early morning to be centered on Him and richer, even if I only have 15 minutes!
Psalm 143:8 best captures what I long for:
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
To hear His love for me, to renew my trust in Him, and to know the way I should go—that is why I spend time with Him!
Lindy Black met The Navigators as a freshman at North Carolina State University after she filled out a “Bible study interest” card at The Navigators booth in the student center. She is The Navigators Associate Director of U.S. Field Ministries and represents Navigator field staff on The Navigators National Leadership Team.. |
