How much is enough?

[writegirl1949]

I wasn't sure where to post this thread but this seems the best place.

I am a growing albeit struggling Christian. My deepest desire is to stay in God's will.

My question is ... how much is enough? How much time in bible study, quiet time, and prayer should someone spend each day?

I ask the question out of a deep need in my life -- trying to determine how much time should we spend doing these things?

I'm not looking for some rigid kind of answer but just a general idea. Certainly it is an individual kind of thing and I realize there are times when circumstances prevent our best laid plans. Still, I'm thinking there should be some kind of general guideline one can follow -- or am I trying to find a simple answer to a complicated question?

I'd appreciate any guidance and prayer support from the group.

Blessings

[Blessed By Him]

Hello writegirl,

I am awful at giving advice but love to share my experiences so please look at this as a sharing from one Christian to another and not advice.

I can tell you what works for me. I try to read my Bible and write in my prayer journal every day, early in the morning, even if I have to get up earlier than usual to do so. My sister once told me to give to God the best, not what is left. Meaning the early morning when you are fresh, not the last thing at night when you are exhausted from your day. But if I miss reading the Bible for a day or two I don't beat myself up over it. I always carry some of my favorite verses around in my head to mull over, and I pray quite a bit. As I work, as I drive, as I go about my day little prayers are constantly said. I have some very uplifting CDs and tapes that I play while in the car.

One of the things that brought me closer to God was to learn to always begin my prayers and entries in my prayer journal with praise. There are some days when there is so much to praise God for that I just can't find the time, or the heart, to request anything for myself! Even in the darkest moments there is something that I can focus on and praise God for.

Finding the time is not something I struggle with anymore. One thing that comes to mind immediately happened just the other night. I was driving out to pick up my aunt and an absolutely breathtaking sunset filled the sky. As I watched the colors unfold I began to thank God for this magnificent display. Didn't have to pull over, didn't have to sit quietly and think about it. Just thanked Him as I was driving and told Him how beautiful His handiwork was.

Will pray for you, hope this has been of some help. Just find what works best for you and God.

Blessings,
Donna

[writegirl1949]

Thanks Donna.

I know that in everyday things, I seem to be connected with God as I would be to a dear friend. But I know I'm not spending enough time in the Word. And it seems that my concern over "just how much time" is keeping me from doing much at all.

Thanks for reminding me about opening prayers with praises ... I agree.

And I know that this is something I need to pray about ... that God would show me what He wants me to be doing.

I so appreciate your input.

Blessings, Francine

[DrRita]

I am a growing albeit struggling Christian. My deepest desire is to stay in God's will.

My question is ... how much is enough? How much time in bible study, quiet time, and prayer should someone spend each day?

I ask the question out of a deep need in my life -- trying to determine how much time should we spend doing these things?


I'm not sure how long you've walked with the Lord but your question is one of deep sincerety and I believe that is the beginning of wisdom and relationship. Starting out, the best thing is to set aside some time, whether it be 15 minutes or an hour. It's the so much the quantitiy as it is the discipline. Learning to send time with God in ALL circumstances and emotions in our life is important because if we don't learn to go to him no matter how we feel or what's going on, we'll be "fair weather" disciples. God wants to become the anchor and mainstay of our life and unless we give him the opportunity to do so, we will push him aside and use him as the "spare tire" instead. Going to him is the key. He will take care of what you're to do when you're sitting before him if you go with a listening heart.

As for studying the Bible, it is imperative we take time to read and study but as to how much each day--that's really an individual thing. Start with a book of the Bible or a Psalm or something and read it then write it out in your own words in a notebook. You'll be amazed how much you get out of it and how much you will retain. May ten minutes, maybe an hour--the length is totally up to you. Daily is good but it's no law. Just don't stay away too long because most often it's through his word that God will talk to you.

I'm not sure if I've helped but after walking with the Lord for a long time, I've found I go through times and seasons just like in any human relationship. Just don't let the enemy EVER seduce you into thinking you can't instantaneouly come before the Lord at any given moment no matter what you're doing or thinking! That's the worst lie you can believe. Romans 8:38-39.

[writegirl1949]

Dr. Rita:

Thanks for your suggestions. That helps tremendously. It's nice just to have some idea and while I completely understand that the actual amount of time isn't necessarily an issue (while quality is most important), I can get a better feel for how we should be looking at our walk with the Lord. He is a big part of my life but I want it to be a more active relationship and I figure He's not the one that's moved ... I have.

[FireFeet]

I think the easiest way to tell whether or not you are spending enough time in God's presence is by your growth and your state of mind.

Recently, because of a job change, I went from spending 2-3 hours a day with God to a rather hasty 15 minutes. I didn't notice the lack for awhile, but last Tuesday (after almost 3 months of this) I just about had a melt-down...totally stressed out and exhausted and uninspired. It was a fairly logical solution where the problem began.

Your time with God has to be of the utmost importance. But what that looks like depends on you. Some people can read a short simple devotional and it sustains them for the day. Some people can spend time enjoying worship music and creation and that keeps them close to God. For me personally, I NEED times of deep study and reflection and of getting totally immersed and lost in God's presence.

You might try several different ways and times and journal what you did and how you felt...and look for the patterns of what works and what doesn't work for you.

[writegirl1949]

Firefeet:

You gave a different insight on this whole thing that I hadn't realized before. !thumbsup!

You said: Some people can read a short simple devotional and it sustains them for the day. Some people can spend time enjoying worship music and creation and that keeps them close to God.

While I've said all along, it's an individual thing that's different for each of us, I realize that even on an individual basis, there will be times simple devotionals will be enough. I know sometimes Oswald Chambers or even some of Charles Stanley's stuff really hits home for me.

I do understand the necessity for closeness with the Father. In complete honesty: my mental and emotional health DEPEND on it. :o

Thanks for your input.

Blessings

[SCHATMAN]

Prayer and Bible study should be a daily part of our lives.

[sister Lillian]

Hello Sister,

Everything that we do, we do by grace. Nothing about our relationship with God should be done out of routine or regulation. Having a relationship with our God and father is just like having a relationship with a spouse. We don't do things with our spouse out of routine or regulation, do we? When we are in love, we do things out of desire. You can read your bible whenever you are hungry and thirsty for the word. God wants us to study because we want to, not becasue we have to. When we eat in the natural, we eat because we are hungry, the same in the spiritual. If you are a child of God, the spirit will often let you know when to eat spiritually. As far as praying, you can do this at anytime. Prayers are communication tools into the heavens. We can pray walking, washing dishes,or just sitting, or whenever. It does not have to be a set time or position. Whenever you want to talk to God, his doors are always open, and his phone is never busy. Just focus on having a relationship with your creator, and you are going to do fine.

God Bless you

Love Sister Lillian

[dbrianshafer]

Firefeet--
I think Christians have problems with a devotional life because these disciplines become an end in themself--If I just pray enough...If I just read enough...If I just fast enough... Bottom line is when we get entangled with the mechanics of it to the point of frustration it is just like Paul's frustration with the Law--How much is enough? GRRRR

Our devored life is not geared to score points with God but to help us grow. I suggest you set your own realistic goals and let them expand with you naturally. It is better to gain a consistent pattern that us attainable than spike up a lofty goal only to get frustrated when you can't meet it. Believe me I know--both personally and as a pastor.

Don't get bound up in the mechanics. Fall in love with God and stick close to Him and start at your own pace. Consistency--whatever the terms, timeframes, the how much? issues, will create a sense of confidence and faith in you that will pay off in the long term. Kind of like dieting--don't try to lose too much too fast--build slowly--and one more thing--RELAX and enjoy tthe journey! !thumbsup!

God bless

brian

[valentine]

I would suggest that a study Bible would be helpful. I've enjoyed over the years using a devotional study Bible that gives concise readings for each day, a bit of a commentary that allows me to contemplate what I've read, and allows me to read and study the complete Bible in a year. There are several editions of these study Bibles in bookshops, etc. Don't know if it works for everyone, but I enjoy mine. There are times that I enjoy a little more intense study in a specific area or Book of the Bible, but I always begin with the my study Bible first. (There may even be online versions available). Best wishes to you in your Walk. :)

[writegirl1949]

I wanted to thank everyone for their answers to my question. And I wanted to share what God has been doing.

First of all, just asking 'how much is enough' really showed where I was with my quiet time ... hmmm, does off track answer that question. :)

Since then, I've pretty much stuck with Oswald Chambers but it's done in a daily journal. And, I don't necessarily automatically jump to the next day's devotion if I feel God isn't finished with the previous one. And there have been times when one of his devotions has started some earnest Bible study so if I feel so led, then I'm studying the scriptures God has led me to.

Here's what's happened ... I've felt God leading me to write devotionals ... and I use that term loosely because they aren't devotionals set up in the normal format. In January, God gave me about 60 ideas ... each one came during my quiet time and while I was journalling. There all in draft form but I cannot begin to convey the excitement as God works in my life in such an active way.

And maybe more importantly is the peace I have. I struggle with depression, panic and anxiety (they usually travel together, lol) and the only "cure" for me is that intimate relationship with God. He truly keeps me sane.

My first priority of each day is time with God. Everything else falls into place after that.

The responses have been awesome and so encouraging. I thank God for each of you.

Francine

[b-a-berean]

Ah, there is indeed wisdom in a multitude of counselors! (Pro. 11:14; 15:22)

As I read your latest reply, Francine, the thought came to me that God will use you to specifically minister to others in the very areas you're currently struggling to overcome (anxiety, depression, lack of peace). I look forward to all of your future testimonies!!

A few additional ideas, if you're not too overloaded with them by now. The second two are specific to these particular struggles:

1. Read a chapter of Proverbs a day (double up on months with only 30 days).

2. Memorize Philippians 4:6-8.

3. Memorize 2 Corinthians 10:5.

4. Listen only to biblically-based Gospel music. It's not a sin to listen to secular music (as long as it doesn't make you or another Christian around you stumble e.g., Romans Chapter 14 through 15:7), but listening to secular music is of course not spiritually edifying especially if you're susceptible to getting off track in your mind and thinking.

A prayer for you: Lord, give wisdom, direction and clarity to Francine regarding how she spends time with You on a daily basis. We thank You for already moving in that regard since she first posted her question in January. Continue to bless her for her heart towards You. Help Francine to sift through all of these suggestions and give her the grace to continue to press forward with her gift. Confirm her steps and open up doors along the way. And Lord, deliver her from the down-spiraling grip of anxiety and depression. Let her surrender herself completely to You and to Your peace, grace, power and peace. Equip her to be able to minister in this same area to others, according to Your perfect will and timing. In Jesus' name. Amen.

-Laurel

[writegirl1949]

Laurel,

Thank you for added guidance. I truly believe that we are responsible to share what God has done in our lives in prayerful hopes that we might minister to others. I've never been shy about the difficulties I've faced. And now I think, hmmm, guess God was preparing me so that I would feel comfortable sharing with others.

Thank you for your prayer as well. Sometimes I have so many projects going on it's hard to know which ones to work on. Of course, deadlines are great motivators.

Something very interesting ... I was having one of those "second thought" ideas ... you know the kind. God wants ME to start a ministry? Who am I? What do I know? And then I read your post. Seems like God knew I would stumble over a little self-doubt and used you to encourage me.

Thanks again. And, one final note. You'll never guess where I was born. Laurel, Md. Cool, huh?

Again, I pray God blesses you and the others who so generously took the time to help me in this quest.

Sweet blessings, Francine

[writefx]

I found your post interesting as it is something that I have been thinking about for a long time but especially this week.

How much time with God? What do you do with that time? I think that the answer could be in striking a balance and letting God show you how you manage that day. Too much of anything will cause disharmony. Perhaps if I illustrate how this has affected me then it can help you too.

I've noticed that my life has been quite out of synch for a while where I'm spending huge amounts of time for charity work to the point where I became obsessed and overwhelmed when I couldn't stop adding more projects to my list.

This week I've started to get things in perspective. Dramatically cut back on the charity projects and putting God in charge of my day. This has led to unexpected opportunities - including find this writing site.

All the best and I hope that you too will live each day in HIs will.

Urszula

[writegirl1949]

Urszula:

I think you hit the nail on the head (sheesh, I'm full of trite expressions today :p ). BALANCE. And it begins with God. At least, that's what I've found. Without allowing God to organize my day, so to speak, then I get off track. I love to chase rabbits all over the place and I'm not ashamed to admit that I am so very easily distracted.

Sometimes we do get caught up in the "doing for" as opposed to the "listening to" God. Our intentions are good but without God's hand in directing our path, we can even slip down some rabbit holes (think: Alice in Wonderland, :D ).

What is really awesome is that as I am obedient in seeking God first, he is faithful -- not just in ordering my days, but in directing my creativity. He truly inspires me and I know that when those kinds of things happen, they truly are from Him. How blessed we are. We have the Creator of the Universe directing our creativity.

I do pray that as other read this thread, our discussions will help lead them to a closer, more intimate relationship with the "lover of our soul."

Blessings

[ellenjames]

Writegirl! you are on the right track! Being concerned with spending time with God is good. !thumbsup!

I would say we all need some (amount is between God and the individual) scheduled time to talk to God and then add some "freelance" time to talk to Him.
It is good discipline to set a time for talking to God as well as setting a time to write.
That being true we can talk to God all through the day -- while we're working -- help me to do all to the glory of God; while we're writing -- Lord, enlighten my mind; while we playing -- thank you Lord for this time of relaxation.

Especially in the beginning it's good to have a set time for worship of God, but you'll find that it expands as the day goes along and it saturates your activities.

God is an ever-present God and therefore available at all times.
God bless you as you walk with Him.
Ellenjames

[lionsforjesus]

Psalm 1 is a very encouraging chapter I memorized to always know who I am In Christ and what He is Molding me to be. I always say this to myself while striving in my walk with Him. AT work, during stressful situations etc.
It helps me to know I am with Him and He's with me. If you want, memorize this passage and write it on your heart and see God's work in you. I promise you you will see His Blessings in you.

1 Blessed is the man(or woman),
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly
nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the
seat of the scornful; 2 But his (or her)delight is in the Law of the Lord,
And in His law he (or she) meditates day and night.
3 He ( or She) shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of
water, That brings forth fruit in its season, Whose leaf also
shall not wither; And whatsoever he (or she) does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind
drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

God Bless You
Richard !thumbsup!

[NuWriter]

I am just so broken. I need help. I have to get back into devotions somehow. I am so empty but always so busy too. I am always doing exactly the opposite of what I should do
I shouldn't even be online now. I need fire in my heart again, but I am so good at giving excuses or finding other things to do when I could do devotions. I have no mental focus.
Help

[lionsforjesus]

All last week I was going through a major pruning from the Lord, and my mind was racing with emotions and thoughts. I got caught up into self-doubt, unbelief and the pains of the shadows of doubt that the enemy uses during the times of trials. Being a person who grew up with "reason and higher critical thought" I get attacked on these very issues in my mind and allow them to take over sometimes, once again bringing me to confusion the enemy likes to throw at me with his fiery darts. Satan wants you in your mind to think your not measuring up to holiness, but wait a minute, we can't measure up to God's standards that is why Jesus took our place and did it for us. Remember, He is with you always and will never leave you or abandon you. His Holy Spirit is on your side, stuck to you, hence the name "Paraclete" in my words, "Para" on the side of or along side and "Clete" Your Advocate. (see your Bible, John 14:16-18, 15:26 and 1st John 2:1 ), He is your partner and is with you every moment even with other things and doubts or not being devotional. Here is a remedy.
Ask God every morning to put a song of worship in your heart that lasts all day during your progress He gives you strength for and you will always reconize your devotions and your submissionTo Him. Remember Paul says, "Pray always without ceaseing" and stay in the Word even though you fall short or tired etc. If you don't feel like reading, I say force yourself and read out loud if need be and watch His Word give you rest while He is feeding you. We are harder on ourselves than He is on us. Seek Him Constanty in everything you do. Surround your self in His love and you will prosper and Be blessed. He wants to bless you so bad. He loves us so much as if their is but only one of us to love and we all have that from Him. Praise God.

Here is an encouragement passage for you,me and those reading;

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and Feed on His Faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:3-4)

I hope this helps you and all who read, Jesus is so wonderful, My we praise His name always.

Love in Christ

Richard. :D !thumbsup!

[writegirl1949]

NuWriter:

I've been out of the loop for a month ... returning to Arizona and then back again.

I wanted to encourage you regarding your post and thank lionsforjesus for the advice. !thumbsup!

The most important thing is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we think we should be doing, could be doing, or would be doing that we drown ourselves in guilt. We set ourselves up with such high expectations that it seems impossible to tackle. And that's exactly where Satan wants us.

I struggle with looking at something and thinking I've got to "do it all." :eek: Sort of like the elephant ... the joke goes, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Forme, I would look at something and want to devour it all. Not only doesn't it work, but the guilt of failing just makes it worse. Failure begets failure and guilt begets guilt.

Step out of the coulda, shoulda, woulda game we all play and just look to Jesus. I was at a point where that was literally all I could do. I just focused on Him. And He led me, as He does for all of us.

I pray things are better for you and if you need any further encouragement ... don't be afraid to ask.

Blessings, Francine

[lionsforjesus]

NuWriter:

I've been out of the loop for a month ... returning to Arizona and then back again.

I wanted to encourage you regarding your post and thank lionsforjesus for the advice. !thumbsup!

The most important thing is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we think we should be doing, could be doing, or would be doing that we drown ourselves in guilt. We set ourselves up with such high expectations that it seems impossible to tackle. And that's exactly where Satan wants us.

I struggle with looking at something and thinking I've got to "do it all." :eek: Sort of like the elephant ... the joke goes, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Forme, I would look at something and want to devour it all. Not only doesn't it work, but the guilt of failing just makes it worse. Failure begets failure and guilt begets guilt.

Step out of the coulda, shoulda, woulda game we all play and just look to Jesus. I was at a point where that was literally all I could do. I just focused on Him. And He led me, as He does for all of us.

I pray things are better for you and if you need any further encouragement ... don't be afraid to ask.

Blessings, Francine Thank you for the encouragement, Francine. God uses you well. !thumbsup! :D

[roxy]

I think the question should be determined by the results you wish to obtain by doing so. Is it merely duty that you are trying to fulfill, or are you questioning whether you are pushing the boundaries of what is considered "normal" devotional time. Judging by your post I'd guess its not the latter. I came across your question because just last night I proposed the same question on my blogsite.

[I]He has been pressing into my heart the desire to be set apart for Him in every way possible. No more compromise, no more lackadaisicalness, simply DEVOTION. I am stretched to know how much He really wants of us. How much time is too little? too much? Is there such a thing as spending too much time in prayer? If it were our hearts desire to have a schedule that would permit marathon devotions would He not supply it for us! I am filled with a spirit of gratitude and awe at the amazing grace (permit the cliche) of our God.
I suppose the question you have to ask yourself is how much more do you want to be in tune with God? All the great men & women of God who have done great things for God have been people who hunger after God and were not content with a single serving of the Holy Spirit.

[Diannecp]

About a year and a half ago, I came across a neat method for journaling that I've been using. You take a blank notebook and make the first 3-5 pages a sort of table of contents. Each page is ruled into columns entitled date, Scripture, title and page no. This really has been helpful to me to see at a glance where I am spiritually and be reminded of things God is teaching me. When I'm at a low point, it's helpful to look back over the index and refer to certain entries to remind myself God is faithful. I am reminded of times when I could hardly wait to get into God's word, and then there are those times I do it because I know I should. But going back over entries brings to mind the joy that comes from spending time with God just because I want to, and makes me want more of that.

Just thought I'd share . . .