Yesterday I wrote yet again about the importance of our daily time with God. It’s a drum I’ll continue to beat. But let me be clear: we’re not talking about “a good habit” or “read the Bible in the morning so your day will go well.” We’re talking about relationship and transformation.
I was reminded about transformation in an outstanding article by Mutua Mahiani, the International President of The Navigators, the organization and people with whom I serve. He was talking about leadership and the importance of accepting that role if God gives it to you (unlike Moses, whom he mentions and about whom I wrote).
But at the end of the article, Mutua reminds us of the importance of our daily time with God:
Devoting time in the Scriptures and in prayer helps us in everyday obedience and prepares us to say “yes” to God’s call. Spending intentional time reflecting on God’s character and work gives us a right view of ourselves and the lost, fighting off the lies of the Enemy, the flesh, and the world. It helps us cultivate the humility and confidence we need to discern and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. – Mutua Mahiani, International President of The Navigators, January 2024.
Wow. Strong reasons for daily time with God. Let me parse them out:
Devoting time in the Scriptures and in prayer…spending intentional time reflecting on God’s character and work…
- helps us in everyday obedience and
- prepares us to say “yes” to God’s call.
- gives us a right view of ourselves and the lost, fighting off the lies of the Enemy, the flesh, and the world. It
- helps us cultivate the humility and confidence we need to discern and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
If you’re still looking for reasons to start the Daily Time with God habit, you can’t do any better than those. If you’re a pastor, wondering if it’s worth the effort to teach your people to have daily time with God, do you want a congregation of people with those characteristics?
They are not just idle words for you—they are your life… (Deuteronomy 32.47, NIV)