“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Psalm 62:5, ESV)
Most of my visits with Ruth, a former neighbor, were held over the backyard fence. We would pause for a few moments while doing yard work for a quick chat. Sometimes, such as when there was a piece of pie to share, we would phone and say, “Meet me at the fence.”
During those chats, Ruth and I seldom shared our deepest thoughts. We usually talked about local happenings, family gatherings, or questions about new faces in the neighborhood. Even our phone calls, especially during the winter months when it was too cold for the fence, were of the ordinary variety. We lost touch when I moved away, but I fondly remember our friendly chats over the fence.
SUPERFICIAL OR SHARING?
Looking back, I realize how much easier it is to bare one’s soul while sitting in the quiet comfort of the living room. Those times are usually a planned time together. We get comfortable, and time flies as we talk. We are more comfortable in sharing deep feelings when we meet face to face.
I wonder which kind of relationship best describes my time with God. Is it a brief, superficial sharing “over the fence,” or is it a deep “heart-to-heart” in the living room?
Many of us move through life at a brisk pace. Our to-do list seems longer than our day can accommodate. Stress builds, and we feel frazzled. The more tasks we juggle, the more guilt we feel. This guilt can bleed over into our spiritual life. We realize that we left God at the backyard fence rather than inviting Him into our living room. Our devotional time has become a quick chat rather than the deep heart-to-heart sharing of close friends. We fit Him in as best we can, all the while ashamed we aren’t doing more.
SITTING BEFORE THE LORD
Several scriptural references speak of sitting before the Lord or sitting at His feet. Second Samuel 7:18 tells of how King David “sat before the Lord.” Approaching God with humility, he asked, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far” (ESV).
As David sat in humble fellowship, he acknowledged that God knew all about him (verse 20). He also recognized the greatness of God and understood God’s redemption of man (verse 22-23).
When we sit before the Lord, our relationship changes from casual to a deep knowledge of who He is and His plan for our lives. We acknowledge His greatness. Sitting at His feet is a place of learning and growing. It is a quiet place, away from the clamor of life, where we can hear His voice. We shut out intrusions and give Him our total attention.
QUALITY TIME
For most of us, our time with God will be a combination of the backyard fence and the easy chair. Our hectic schedule, much of it centered on church activities, may cause us to slip into a pattern of fitting in time with our Friend while on the run. But a lasting friendship needs quality time as well. Offer Him the same courtesy you do your spouse or best friend. Make a date for quiet times together. Even if it means driving to a park or taking a secluded walk, find a place where you can give God your full attention without interruption.
True friends accept us as we are. God also accepts and loves us, even when we fill our lives to the brim with little space left for Him. But for the relationship to be deep and thriving, we must invest part of ourselves. Take time to sit at His feet. It’s so comforting to open our heart to our Friend.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20, ESV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- If you were to choose a word to describe your time with God, what would it be? Consistent? Sporadic? Rushed? Refreshing?
- Are you most intense in a time of trouble, or do you give the Lord the same attentiveness when all is well?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
