Day 1: When You Wonder If It’s Worth It

“Be still, and know that I am God...” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

You’ve probably heard the term “quiet time” tossed around in your church or small group. If you’re not sure what this means, it’s that special time we intentionally set aside to connect with God – to read his Word, to pray, and to listen. It’s following the example Jesus set when he snuck off to speak with his Father during the early hours of the morning in Mark 1:35.

But, let’s be honest. There are those days when you stare at your Bible, your mind wanders, and you can’t help but ask “Is it worth it?” If your life looks anything like mine, then it’s probably jam-packed with work, kids, family, friends, hobbies, chores, etc., etc. And somehow, amidst this hustle and bustle, we’re supposed to find a calm, quiet moment with God?! Some days it feels less like a joy to spend time with Jesus and more like another task that adds to the chaos.

But the reality is that the busier we are and the more burdened we feel, the more we need this intentional time in our Lord’s presence! We see this truth presented in Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

This is a well-known verse that often comes to mind when “quiet time” is discussed. But Psalm 46:10 isn’t about sitting motionless – it’s about a much deeper kind of surrender. The original word for “be still” is “Harpu” and it means to let go or relax. The word “know” comes from the Hebrew root “yada,” which involves both the mind and heart in Hebrew thinking. It is a knowledge that comes from experiencing an intimate relationship. And so, in essence, Psalm 46:10 is a call to stop striving, let go, and experience the power of God.

In other words, stop assuming that you have to carry your load all by yourself! Humble yourself and turn to God for help. Lay down your burdens and come know Jesus personally. He is the one ruling and reigning over all, and he has promised to help you in everything great and small.

So, is it worth it to have a quiet time? Yes! Because every time we approach the presence of God, we are living out this command to stop striving in our own strength and start living in his power. The ultimate battle has already been won by Christ on the Cross, and now the rest of our lives can be lived in the overflow of his love, grace, and power.

To have a quiet time is to get the divine help we need for the rest of our day.

Application:

Take a moment to think about your quiet time. Is it a burden or a blessing? A to-do list item or a joy? What’s making you question if it’s worth it? As we start this journey together, let’s remember the real value of quiet time – it’s not about ticking off a box, but about deepening our connection with our Creator.