The Right Attitude for Quiet Time

By Rick Warren

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV).

You may understand that a daily quiet time is necessary for spiritual growth and be motivated to do it, but how do you go about having one?

You have to start with the proper attitudes. In God’s eyes, why you do something is far more important than what you do.

On one occasion God told the prophet Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). It is quite possible to do the right thing but with the wrong attitude.

When you meet with God, you want to come with anticipation and eagerness. Expect to have a good time of fellowship with him and to receive a blessing from your time together. That was what King David expected: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you” (Psalm 63:1 NIV).

Don’t rush into God’s presence, but prepare your heart by being still before him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Listen to the prophet Habakkuk: “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20 NIV; also see Psalm 89:7).

You are meeting with the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Redeemer of humanity, Decide before your quiet time that you will do anything and everything that God wants you to do. Jesus said, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17 NIV).

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