Lent Day 16, Thursday, Mar 4, 2021

“15 Minutes Alone with God”

This might be the easiest of all Challenges during Lent 2021: Spend 15 minutes in silence, thinking about God.

Praying counts in this Challenge. Reading the Bible counts. Meditating counts. Thinking about ways to serve, please, and help God also count. The only catch for today is that your time with God must be in silence. No background (or foreground) noise. No distractions. No phone ringing. No computer beeping. Nobody nagging you to take out the trash or asking you if you’ve already completed your Challenge for the day.

Spend 15 minutes alone with God. What are you saying? What is God saying? Your words are important, but I’m assuming you’re more interested in hearing what God wants to say to you. Listen carefully. Watch closely. God is there, but if you aren’t making an intentional and focused effort to find the LORD today, you could miss God’s message for you.

The Scriptures tell us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, ESV). Sometimes, I wonder if God is speaking literally or metaphorically. Either way, I’m guessing it was easier to be still and quiet 2,500 years ago than it is now. Staying still and quiet (without falling asleep) is a major hurdle in its’ own right, let alone, giving that time to God. This Challenge may not be easy, after all.

But you can do it...no excuses. Give yourself permission. Take time today to be still before The LORD!

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” (Matthew 6:6, The Message)