In Scripture, we read of men who sought God, desired to hear His voice, who were instructed in His ways, and who took great joy in knowing and following Him. In Hebrews 11:5-6, we read of Enoch as one example:By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV, emphasis added)
Others, like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, and especially our Savior, Jesus Christ; all earnestly sought the God; desiring to know Him and be known by Him. In more recent times, John and Charles Wesley, E.M. Bounds, Charles Spurgeon, A.W. Tozer, Bill Bright, and others each had powerful ministries, but much more importantly, deeply personal relationships with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
In our day, God continues to give each of us just as much opportunity to draw near to Him as He did for any of those mentioned above. He allows each one of us to determine how much or little time we spend intimately in His presence; talking with Him, worshiping and adoring Him, thanking Him, listening to His voice, and more. The question we must each ask ourselves is, “How much of this opportunity am I willing to take advantage of each day or night?” Tozer touches on this below:
"There are many logistical tasks to be done during the next few weeks. And it is so easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of a noisy life such that we fail to hear God’s still, small voice. Many of us need the “stripping away” of the “many loved objects which harm [our souls].” Please pray that God will give us the all-absorbing desire for Him that is the key to a life of radical commitment and radical devotion to Christ." – A.W. Tozer
History of the Modern-Day Quiet Time
Frank Buchman (1878-1961), a Protestant evangelist, is credited with establishing what’s known as the modern-day “quiet time,” or daily time set apart with God.
"We need a power strong enough to change human nature and build bridges between man and man, faction and faction. This starts when everyone admits his own faults instead of spot-lighting the other fellow's. God alone can change human nature. The secret lies in that great forgotten truth, that when man listens, God speaks; when man obeys, God acts; when men change, nations change." – Frank Buchman
Many set aside a specific time of their day to read and meditate on Scripture, pray (in a variety of ways), and be still and listen for God’s voice or promptings. The benefits of time personally invested with God are many- and they will touch the lives of every man, woman, and child around us- if we'll but make Him our priority over all others.
How close we draw near to God is up to each one of us. When we set aside time to dwell in God’s presence, He changes us; how we live; and how we view the world and all it offers us. Time personally invested with God yields eternal treasures that will long outlive the temporary activities or things we think we desire in our present age. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 6:5-21.
