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Two weeks ago, a devotional was published under the title of, "Walking With my Son", when I told the story of how no one walks with me as well as my son. The problem is, my son doesn't live in the same town as my wife and I do, and although we try to see them once a week, that still leaves 6 days where I don't have anyone to walk with other than my wife. And as previously mentioned, she doesn't walk as good as my son! So what was I going to do? Simply not walk? The lazy part of my would subscribe to this, but I know it's good for me... So what do I do?
Then, suddenly, the best possible walking partner showed up at my side: My dog!
I have actually become quite attached to this dog in the 6 months she has lived at our house. Now I am not a dog person by nature. I much prefer animals of the feline persuasion. And initially when I asked my wife if we could have a pet, I was pretty sure it would be a cat. But God was working in my heart. Every time I would see someone out walking their dog, I would be just a tiny bit envious. And so it was that we ended up with this Akita rescue. She is a dream dog. She rarely barks, she walks very well on a leash and is quite obedient. But the best of all, she loves me.
Or at least she does most of the time.
You see, there are times in my dog's day when she doesn't seem to love anyone. She just wants to chill. Alone. We figure she is of an introvert personality. She loves us, but she needs her down time.
I do understand this. I am an introvert as well, and when forced into noisy situations, I end up exhausted after just a short time. So we have learned to respect one another's need for down time.
Introverts or extraverts alike, we all need our quiet time with God. And I would suggest that we should be as intentional about getting it as my dog is about her down time! We need to set aside a couple of times a day -- or even more when needed -- to spend time with God! If we aren't one on one with God, we will miss out on what He has to share with us personally. Oh, there is a place for corporate worship, and it shouldn't be avoided (See Heb. 10:25). My dog knows this well as well. She will suddenly appear, as if out of the woodwork, to ask to play or to go for a walk. But those quiet times can't be avoided. Jesus knew this: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mark 1:35 NIV), and we are admonished in the Old Testament to, "“Be still, and know that I am God..." (Ps. 46:10a NIV).
So why is this quiet time so important? Psalms 46:10 tells us that as well: When we are still, we know that He is God. The verse goes on to say, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (vs 10b NIV). When we are still, we acknowledge that God is God, that He is exalted! It is then, on those one on one times, that God begins to teach us things about Himself that build our faith!
What kind of a Christian are you? Are you an extroverted Christian who only spends time with God in corporate settings? Or are you an introverted Christian who has learned the unequivocable value of that one on one special quiet time with God?
I love my new walking partner, and I especially love respecting her needs. It isn't everyone who recognizes what they need. I would encourage each of you to take lesson from my dog and recognize your need for quiet time with God. Then follow her example and make sure you get some regularly! Your relationship with God will blossom as a result.
Inspired by Rob Chaffart
Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries
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