Appointments with God--Five Minutes at a Time

Thursday, July 05, 2012 Posted by Debbie Legg

There are too many variables in my life for me to stick to any kind of detailed daily schedule. I think God has done this on purpose, trying to grow trust and flexibility in me. Unfortunately, my inner organizer/planner (okay, control freak) wants to scream, “NOOOO! I want it THIS way!” It’s taken me a long while but finally I am learning to take my day five minutes at a time.

The result, at least as far as time with Jesus goes, is many little appointments rather than one big one.

I listen to the Bible as I’m getting ready in the morning. I keep the wonderful little devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in a prominent place so I can whip it out and read when I have a second (thanks, Penny!). I listen to the Ransomed Heart podcast as I’m changing bed linens. I often play uplifting music in the car. My sweet friend Jael and I trade verses on Facebook. And naturally there are the blogs and newsletters I follow (Daily Fast Fuel chief among them, of course).

But knowledge means nothing unless it’s leading into a more intimate relationship with Jesus. Knowing about him is very different from knowing him.

To that end I am learning to, in the words of Brother Lawrence, practice the presence of Jesus. I’m taking little moments as I can, trying to quiet myself (NO easy feat) and listen and just be with him. Sometimes I simply of check in, maybe saying something like: “Hi Jesus. I love you. Thank you for ________. I invite you into this circumstance. Your will be done. I trust you. I ask healing/comfort/wisdom/strength for __________.” Of course, there is also the ever popular, “What do you have for me in the next 5 minutes?”

I invite Jesus to join me through the day. For me, the small, flexible appointments seem to work the best.

Wait. Did I just say flexible? Hmmm…maybe I am learning something.