THINK ON THESE THINGS
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
How does the most important person in your life go from being your focus to your “Well, if there’s enough time…,”?
If I treated my marriage that way, I would be in a world of hurt. But if I’m honest, that’s how I’ve treated Jesus at many points in my life. I can hang out with you when I have more time.
It’s funny – I never have a problem finding time to hang out with my husband or my best friend, even when it’s a crazy busy day. It may just be a quick dinner or even a quick chat on the phone, but I can always make time for those I love.
Plus, I’m thinking about them throughout the day. When I see a video Cheri would like or read an article I know my husband Roger would appreciate , I send it to them because I’m thinking about them.
So why was I so bad about hanging out with God?
After some analysis of what was holding me back, I realized it wasn’t Jesus I was resisting, it was the long list of rules I had set up for myself to make sure that my time with him “counted.”
You see, my time only counted when:
• I spent time in gratitude
• I spent time in prayer for other people
• I spent time in adoration
• I spent time listening
• I spent time in confession
• I spent time reading God’s word
• I spent time meditating on God’s word
• I spent time in silence
• I spent time in worship
Thinking on all the requirements I made for myself, it is no wonder I was skipping my time with God. If my husband had a list of demands like that, I would want to spend less and less time with him.
But here’s the thing – God did not come up with that list of demands. God has issued me a series of invitations.
To spend time with Him.
To talk with Him throughout my day.
To lay my burdens at His feet.
To ask Him to advocate for those I love.
Where did I ever get the idea that all of that was a requirement, every single time we met?
I’ve realized that my time with God isn’t an appointment to be kept – it’s a relationship to be developed.
That is why I’ve decided to keep my expectations small when it comes to my morning quite time. I’m “touching base” in the morning and inviting God into the rest of my day, into relationship.
One of the ways I am currently spending my morning time is by reflecting on one passage of scripture. The book Just One Word by Susie Crosby is a devotional that has one, focused word and verse for each day. It is so easy to carry that one word through my day, and like Philippians 4:8 says, “think on such things.”
I love that it is just one word, and one verse, to focus on throughout the day. And it’s amazing (or a God-thing, more likely) that each word somehow finds its way weaved throughout my day.
Are you overwhelmed by your to-do list when it comes to your relationship with God? Wipe out the requirements and lean into relationship.
One Word Can Inspire Unending Gratitude
There is power in words–the words we read and the words we speak. Power to build and power to destroy. One word—just one—is all it takes to turn a day around. Just one word is all it takes to set your mind on the never-ending power of God’s work in your life.
In these delightful meditations, Susie Crosby draws out one unexpected word from a daily Scripture verse—words like “steep,” “roomy,” and “multiply.” As she explores each theme, she shows you a mighty God who is there for you, who calls you to live, and who you can invite into your day with just one word.
Here you will find a simple and heartfelt recipe for keeping your eyes on Jesus throughout your week. Uncover a wealth of spiritual insight in just one word!
CONNECT & WIN
Stop by susiecrosby.com and get to know Susie and her heart for women who long to know God.
WIN a copy of Just One Word. To celebrate this new book, Harvest House is giving away 5 copies plus we are giving away a grand prize package including:
- A copy of Just One Word
- Rustic Felt Letter Board 10×10
- A Notebook Journal
- 18 Colored Felt Pens
Enter to win by answering this question in our comments section below: What is one expectation of your quiet time that has been holding you back from having time with the Lord? {We’ll randomly select 3 winners and notify them in the comments section by February 27th.}
*Giveaway open to US residents only.
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Today, be gentle with yourself and your list of requirements to get it “right” in your relationship with God. Focus on one word, one verse, and one act of worship. Ask God to keep the conversation going during the day and be open to hearing His voice.
Kathi Lipp and Clutter Free thank Harvest House for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
I think what is holding me back is the thought that there is a certain time that I need to spend with Him. If it is less than a half hour, then I am not good enough and will be sent to hell. It may sound ridiculous, but that is my thought process. As a result, that fear actually keeps me from reading the Bible more, which is so backwards.
I’m held back by an all or nothing attitude. If I can’t do something what I consider WELL then I don’t do it. Perfectionism holds me back.
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Known
Crush-it
I am so grateful to every one of you who shared these honest words and struggles. I hope and pray that you will find joy and freedom in your time with Jesus-simply BE-ing with Him. If you have the book, I encourage you to read UNFORCED page 99. ???
The question marks were supposed to be a smiley face and a heart!
Loved this!!!
My perfectionism gets in the way too.
My word for when I think of Jesus..gentle.??
Not enough time. If I feel I can’t spend enough time, I put it off until I can spend more time…
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The biggest things that hold me back are the feeling I’m not doing it right and quieting the ever running list of to dos in my head.
Present. Is my one word. I guess what’s holding me back is time- caused by clutter in my life. I’m holding myself back because I’m overwhelmed with perfection.
Just not making the time for it. I don’t like to get up early and then I homeschool our 4 kids. So by the time I head towards bed I’m spent. I was really good the first couple weeks of the new year. ?
My one word would be intentional!
Calming
Calm
Yes.
Hope especially while I’m praying and worshiping.
Hope
Rock is the word I think of when it comes to God.
I think of the lyrics, “on Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”
I’ve needed God to be my rock so many times.
I am held back in spending time with God when I’m ashamed that I’ve messed up, then I feel guilt for not spending time, and it just builds and builds. It’s hard for me know where to star especially since this is not something that was ever taught or modeled for me. I am trying to change that with my daughter. We read a short kids devotional and pray each night together. I also have a little prayer box that she can write down her prayers on. I’m trying to give her as many avenues to spend time with God as she can so she is not trying to figure it out as an adult like me.
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Indescribable
One thing holding me back from having deeper quiet time/more consistent quiet time/more focused quiet time is my mental “to do list.” Its not even a list that’s always written down, just this constant running list in my mind of all that needs to be done. Quiet time is on there for sure but it usually gets taken over by things that seem to be more pressing at that moment. I feel like I hop on a moving conveyor belt sometimes before I even hop out of bed and I move from task to task without even getting to the things that are most important. I benefit greatly from the simplicity of Kathi Lipps books and podcasts!
Accepting
I get bored with most devotionals after a while, but it’s me, not the books. Oftentimes I rebel against routines. Or maybe I just need to do something different on a regular basis. Which really doesn’t make sense, but that’s me!
I don’t have much quiet time and feel that I am missing out. I try to speak to God as I lay my head on the pillow. Sometimes it works sometimes I go right to sleep.
My word right now is Grace. And I am finding that it applies to some many things in so many ways!!
The expectation I have is that I’m not doing it right, or it’s not incredibly profound.
I try to have uninterrupted quiet…. And that’s just not possible in my life often with a puppy and two kiddos
That everything has to be perfect around me: the room needs to be clean, there can be no noise, that I have to be physically alone. Other people’s expectations: it has to be done first thing in the morning, you need to journal it, you need to illustrate it.
The legalism of I must do it in the morning or it is not going to happen makes me give up instead of enjoying Jesus mid day or another time.
what’s holding me back is that I have not yet found the desperately needed space to have quiet time. I’m working in decluttering and have made progress in moving out things, but I just can’t seem to find a quiet comfortable space to have this quiet time`
The perfectionist in me wants things just right- quiet house, uncluttered, hot coffee. Inside I just want to sit in the presence of Jesus no matter what chaos or clutter is in me or around me. I want to soak in His peaceful presence. I feel pressure to go deep in a short amount of time.
Always thinking that I have to praise, quiet myself, read scripture, pray for others, and have a plan how to love others that day in order for my quiet time to ‘count’ before the Lord. Thank you for opening my eyes to the possibility of having one word to carry me thru the day.
I feel like if I don’t have enough time to have a “proper” quiet time like read the Word, pray, prayer list, journal, then I just don’t do it.
I’ve recently started reading my Bible and studying in the morning. I’ve avoided it because of being overwhelmed by how to study and not feeling as if I had the time to do it. I feel this book would help keep me going!
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Even though my logical self knows what I need to do, honestly I think it has something to do with being vulnerable and afraid- afraid of what God may ask me to do/change.
I need to stop trying to have the perfect spot to have alone time. There are a lot of interruptions and I get sidetracked easily. Focusing on one word would be so helpful. Thank you for always speaking what I’m needing answers for.
I think a quiet time has too be long. But I spend so much more time on Facebook than I do in His word… ouch! Truth hurts. Looking forward to the podcast and the book! Thank you, ladies!
I feel like I have to be in the right “mood” or state of mind to spend time with the Lord.
I feel like I don’t spend enough time reading God’s word because I don’t always understand what I’ve read. I like the idea of focusing on one word a day.
Feeling like I don’t have enough time in one setting …. not just giving time to group Bible study… but enough of just time with the Lord.
I feel held back because I don’t know where to start. I also feel that I really don’t know how to move forward and make positive changes in my life. I know in my heart that being closer to God would change so much (specifically my perspective and attitude), but I don’t know how to begin or how to continue.
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I didn’t read them all, but I’m sure I could relate to all of the comments to one degree or another. What if I did a quick, “I forgive me as Papa God forgives me” prayer each time before my devo — getting rid of all the guilt & shame — and then ask JESUS how He’d like to spend time w/ me? I think He’d love to answer that. He knows me so intimately, and He knows exactly what would bless His and my heart in the moments I’m able to give Him that day…
I haven’t thought about it like this before, but if I don’t get to everyone on my prayer list, I feel like I didn’t finish my devotion s.
As I read over the previous comments I was encouraged that so many feel exactly as I do. My immediate thought in response to Kathi’s question was because I don’t do it the “right” way. Feelings of failure and guilt. Thank you Lord for your grace and patience. Thank you to Kathi and all the other women for your honesty. I am not alone…more importantly He is with me.
my biggest problem is trying to figure out how to do things right. I feel like other people know how to do things and can understand the Bible easier. I don’t know where to start and how to hang things together.
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I feel like I have to do it for a certain amount of time and read a certain amount. Instead of just focusing on one or two verses, I feel like I have to read at least a chapter. I also feel like I have to be in the right spiritual frame of mind before I start.
Has to be right amount of time, have to write out my prayers for them to count, have to “study” the “right” book of the Bible…
Having a routine of what to pray about and for holds me back because I know what to expect. I know I should be having a conversation with God but I’m afraid I may say the wrong thing and can’t take it back!…….”Like God doesn’t know what is in my heart before I speak”. Wow, writing this has made be realize how foolish I am. LOL
Hearing others say, ‘doing it right’ does resonate, but I think what holds me back more is feeling guilty that I seem to talk to Him when I’m in need, not just for me personally but asking him to help someone I love. Feels like I’m always taking (asking) and what am I giving back to him. I like the One Word concept as it would help me stay focused on something besides what I need from Him. Maybe I could truly hear and feel His presence.
I always feel like it needs to be quiet for “quiet time” but quiet is a rare commodity around my house! As much as I try to get up earlier to find the quiet, I’m never successful with it!
I feel like I read and study only to forget it a few hours later and it frustrates me. Also, I’m so overwhelmed that I find it difficult to do anything
Guilt from being so inconsistent. It’s hard to continually start over!
TIME to BE STILL to wait on him & hear what he wants
A difficult situation with a family member has made my quiet time challenging and in fact has caused some mild depression.
I am struggling with forgiveness of someone who hurt me deeply and alienated a group of women toward me. My coach challenged me to pray for this woman, and instead I am getting more angry when I am supposed to be praying for her. Also what does it mean to worship? Does that mean if we show up at a church service, and others see us, that’s worship?
My problem is feeling like I never have time to “finish.” I’m already up at 5:45 to get the school-age kids off to school, not in bed till around 11pm or later, and both working from home and taking care of a toddler and preschooler during the day, so the days are packed. I feel like my quiet times aren’t as long as I want them to be, or I end up being interrupted by a child getting up earlier than expected, etc. I know it’s the season of life I’m in, but I just wish I had more time!
Its easier with the morning rush read a devotional and go ( reflecting on the way ) but I feel like I “ should “ be reading the word as well . Even though there is scripture in the devotional . I love the one word idea , sounds like a good fit .
Your list of rules really hit home with me.I had not really thought about it that way but that is how I feel as well. Thanks for your insight!
The “required” list is what has always kept me from spending time in God’s word. It was too overwhelming for me. I appreciate all that you do for us!
I’m with all the other ladies here, my perfectionist at heart can’t seem to start because I am afraid I won’t do it right.
I think what’s holding me back is the fear of doing it “right”. I want it to be perfect or I don’t do it. Thank you for sharing the message to spend time with our Father and pursue that relationship.
This hits the nail on the head for me; a long list of self-imposed “must do” requirements for a true time of devotion to God. What wisdom and freedom you’ve provided in pointing this out to all of us bound by our own expectations. Stepping out in freedom now . . .
The thing that holds me back is time. I feel like if I don’t spend at least 20 minutes in my quiet time, that I’m not giving God what I should.
The thing that holds me back is the feeling of not doing it “right”. I listen to women at church talk about their quiet time and it sounds so perfect, they get up early, spend “x” amount of time every day, take notes, have a time of reflection. . . the lists seem to go on and on. That is just overwhelming for me! I was so blessed by reading the blog this morning and the reminder that He does not expect us to come to Him with everything perfect and we just need to come as we are, fully His, devoted and in love with the One who made us.
This resonates with me. I generally push through, but if I just do a YouVersion devotional, I feel like I’ve disappointed Jesus. It doesn’t feel like a real Quiet Time. For the longest time, I thought if I didn’t do the ACTS process (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, etc.), I didn’t do it “right.” I’m getting over that, but I do struggle with guilt still.
Interruptions – as I plan to spend time in His Word I want to pick up a few things or check something quick so the house is ready for the kids when they get up and a few hours later half the day is gone. Or if I do sit with the Word and coffee, someone comes to me with a need. I talk with the Lord all day but sitting with His letters to me seems to be a daily challenge.
Sometimes the thing that holds me back is my to-do list and thinking that I can’t get it done and spend time with the Lord. I let my to-do list for the day lead the way, but what I really need to do is start my day with the the Lord and let Him lead the way. I like the idea of focusing on one word throughout the day. It seems simple.
Commitment. I always want to do daily devotional, studies, etc. I’ll start one but within 5-6 days, it gets set to the side, again. Which then I feel like I failed again. I spend time with the Lord randomly throughout the day, we converse, I pray, but the commitment to do something daily at a specific time is hard for me.
What a powerful And timely message!
My one word that keeps me from spending time with our Loving Father is distraction! I allow the distractions – so much to do both at work and at home- to keep me stuck in a Martha world when what I really crave and need is Mary time at Jesus’ feet.
Praying that we can all become more like Mary in a very Martha centered world!!!!
I feel that if I don’t have at least 30 minutes in the morning, it just doesn’t happen. If the clock says I only have 10 minutes, I skip it and move on. I don’t have time to read the Bible, the devotional, do a current Bible study. I let the urgency of the moment control the outcome.
One thing that holds me back sometimes is the amount of time. I feel that if I don’t have a certain amount of time to spend doing all the things I want to do in my quiet time then it is not enough, and then I just don’t do it.
I am just having a hard time starting and focusing. I feel guilt and shame for not having a positive feeling about it, for not knowing how to dive deep and really study and understand all the meaning.
I think guilty would be my one word for why I don’t do it more. I get tripped up on past inconsistencies instead of starting fresh each day. And probably a mental checklist I feel unable to do well enough.
Somehow, I have this belief that there has to be a “connection”; an emotional or otherwise spiritually impactful moment. If that doesn’t happen, then I didn’t put enough into it and “should work harder”. I’m working on changing my thinking and realizing that it’s the routine and consistent connection that is renewing my mind. It doesn’t always have to involve an “aha” moment.
Lately I’ve been battling my ability to stay focused. I seem more easily distracted, so if I’m not feeling like I can be perfect at stillness, quiet and focus, I tend to procrastinate my daily time with the Lord. I also think I have unrealistic expectations of myself and of Him. Not every day will contain a “life altering” confirmation, consolation or direct guidance from Him, no more than every conversation or outing with a friend or significant other is mind-blowing. It helped to read the analogy of comparing your relationship to your spouse or friend. I need to offer myself more grace, but I also need to keep showing up. This book looks awesome!
This was such a timely devotional for me!!! I think what holds me back is that I feel “guilty.” I’m constantly apologizing to God for being ADD. My time seems to be insufficient. I can’t take enough time, can’t stay focused, get overcome with today’s schedule. Then when I start apologizing to God, I start feeling so guilty. It’s so easy to put the blame on myself and establish expectations from God when the focus should be my relationship with Him. Thank you for the reminder the focus should be on God, my relationship with Him, and not making it about me. It’s about Him!
That true quiet time in intersession for everyone else while only gratitude for yourself. (The whole look on the bright side.)
Which makes me feel so lonely and burdened.
This touched me. I tend to be an all or nothing person. Diets have to be in all or it is not worth it. I cannot rest until my list is done (all of it). Even decluttering I need a whole day or nothing at all. Developing the relationship is what matters. Not hours of concentrated and daily time. Thank you for some words of freedom.
This is such a response from the Lord to me. I asked God when I was supposed to make quiet time when with a house of three littles, there is no quiet time really. I think that has held me back along with the expectation that it must be done in the morning, which has been hard for me since, well, I’m tired and I have my 3 to get to day care and school and myself to get to work. This was so good to hear that the Lord just wants a relationship, not a perfect scene of what we imagine a good Bible study should look like.
I love this! For me thinking that I have to have one or two hours to spend with the Lord is an expectation that holds me back. Plus a checklist of what a “real” quiet time looks like. It’s way too much pressure and brings me to overwhelm. Thanks for sharing this book!
I so love the idea of one word!!!
I love to experience God emotionally. Sometimes I feel held back when I my quiet time experience seems less moving and more routine. I will also confess I let someone’s words and judgement whom I respect influence me regarding what my interaction should look like biblically. She probably would quickly assure me that she was not communicating “not enough” to me but unfortunately it was what I heard.
I’ve often been sick or distracted when I get emotionally disconnected and have been working on reestablishing routine in several areas of my life. I know that those experiential moments will return as I make it a priority to connect daily.
I think about how true this is in my relationship with my sister. Just because the last phone call wasn’t as fun or is deep doesn’t mean I don’t want to pick up the next time when you have a chance. I need to get myself and my relationship with God that same freedom.
I think what holds me back is the “unknown” requirement……being unsure of what I am or should be doing, seeking, bringing,waiting for. I like the idea of using one word/phrase anchors to focus on throughout the day, a spiritual doggie bag to pull out during the busyness ahead.
Interesting concept. One expectation that is holding me back is feeling I must do some grand bible study to make it “count”. Really God would love to spend time with me talking about anything on my heart.
Feeling like I can’t do it right, or do enough…reading, study, prayer, meditation, and/or just listening. I fear that I won’t hear from the Lord. So, I too often let myself get distracted and then I feel even worse.