Just this last week I was driving to the office. I came up to a certain intersection and the thought crossed my mind, “How did I get here?” No, it is not that I was going crazy or blind. It was the fact that a route that I have driven every day had become so familiar I was seeing by not seeing. It was almost like I was on autopilot while my mind was processing other thoughts. I share this illustration because I believe that all of us have had that experience at one time. This same thing can happen when we engage in our spiritual development like reading our Bible, listening to a sermon or especially when praying.
I was struck recently by David’s prayer, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18). I have found myself wondering if David struggled in the same way that we do. He was a man who desired to know God in a greater way. The Apostle Paul, by quoting several Old Testament passages, shares God’s assessment, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’” (Acts 13:22c). If you struggle with this, you are not alone. The Bible reminds us that we battle between our natural and spiritual desires. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16). The solution is not to give up, but to work on intensifying your commitment to seeing the “wondrous things” in God’s Word.
Let’s look at a few practices that have helped me. First, recognize that you are in a spiritual battle against the combined forces of evil. Paul reminds us that getting God’s truth into our minds is the first step. “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,” (Ephesians 6:14).
Determining to get into God’s Word regularly is the easy part. The real challenge is cultivating the discipline to make that time happen each day and then intentionally engaging in listening to what God is communicating. We can enjoy God’s presence in any place and at any time. I have found that having a place where I meet with God is a non-negotiable. Saints of the past have spoken of their “prayer closet.” Mine is a now quiet spot in our living room, since all kids are raised. One godly mother living in a small house found that place by pulling her apron over her head and training her kids this was mom’s time with God. It is no surprise that her kids went on to be incredible follower of Jesus Christ as adults!
Once you have determined the place, now you need to make it happen. Set the time when you will meet with God. Yes, you need to be legalistic about this. Consistency will allow you to realize the experience of “beholding the wondrous things” God wants you to know. You will want to be careful to put yourself in a place to succeed. Pick the best time of the day for you. I am a night person but have found early morning to be the sweet spot for me. Whatever time you choose you are going to have to make changes and put limits our your current activities to make it happen. If you have a hard time getting up in the morning… the solution may be to get to bed earlier. It you are pressed to get out the door, set out your clothes and pack your lunch the night before. If your time is later in the day, maybe social media restrictions are the key. I have found just setting my alarm is not enough to develop godly habits. I have to set myself up to succeed.
Yes it is work but it is worth it. You can do this. The spiritual results are worth the sacrifice. I believe David knew that also.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14).
-Pastor Joe Parkinson