Finding Sacred Stillness Amidst Life's Busyness
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This morning, I woke up thinking, “I really, really want to keep up with my quiet time.” It’s not the first time I’ve had that thought. I’ve been trying to be consistent , to sit in silence with God, read my Bible, pray, or just breathe before the day begins. But the truth is, it’s been a battle.
Every time I open my eyes, something demands my attention. Laundry. Cleaning. Getting ready for work. A child calling, “Mummy, I want this.” Some days, I even wake up early but end up doing chores instead. By the time I finally sit down, I’m exhausted — and the quiet time I longed for slips away again.
If I’m honest, I haven’t had a consistent morning quiet time in a long while. I try, stop, start again, and get frustrated. Deep down, I want that quiet time, that early-morning worship, meditation, and stillness. I love those moments when I can play worship music and just sit in God’s presence. But lately, life’s busyness has made it feel almost impossible.
The “First Fruits” Reminder
As I reflected on this struggle, something dropped in my spirit, the word “first fruits.”
I’ve always taken my tithe seriously, giving God the first portion of my income. But what about giving Him the first portion of my time? I wouldn’t delay or make excuses for my tithe, so why do I make excuses for my quiet time?
That thought humbled me. Giving money sometimes feels easier than giving time, yet time is one of the purest forms of worship. Our mornings are sacred. They hold the first fruits of our attention, energy, and thoughts. When I start my day with God, I’m not just ticking off a spiritual task; I’m grounding myself in peace before life’s noise begins.
Practical Ways to Offer Your First Fruits of Time
Set a specific time for quiet moments, even if it’s just 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the night before by laying out your Bible or devotional.
Turn off distractions like phones or TV during this time.
Use worship music to help create a peaceful atmosphere.
Be gentle with yourself if you miss a day; consistency grows over time.
Worship in the Everyday Moments
Now, I’ll be honest , I haven’t always been good at waking up early for quiet time. But one thing I’ve come to understand is that God meets me right where I am.
There are days when I don’t rise early, but later in the day or in the evening, I find myself sitting quietly in the living room, just breathing and reflecting. These moments, though not at dawn, still count as sacred time.
How to Find Stillness During a Busy Day
Pause during routine tasks. For example, while washing dishes, focus on gratitude or a short prayer.
Take deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed, inviting calm and presence.
Use small pockets of time, like waiting in the car or before a meeting, to center your thoughts.
Practice mindfulness by noticing the beauty around you, a flower, sunlight, or a gentle breeze.
Journal briefly about what you’re thankful for or what you need strength to face.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Quiet Time
Many people struggle with quiet time because of distractions, guilt, or unrealistic expectations. Here are some common barriers and ways to overcome them:
Feeling too busy: Remember that even a few minutes matter. Start small and build gradually.
Guilt for missing days: Accept that life happens. Forgive yourself and recommit without shame.
Difficulty focusing: Try guided devotionals or apps that provide structure.
Physical tiredness: Adjust your quiet time to when you feel most alert, even if that’s not morning.
Household interruptions: Communicate your quiet time needs to family or find a quiet spot.
The Impact of Consistent Quiet Time
When you make space for stillness, you may notice:
Greater peace throughout the day.
Improved focus and clarity in decisions.
Stronger connection with your faith and values.
Increased resilience to stress and challenges.
A deeper sense of gratitude and joy.
Embracing Flexibility and Grace
Quiet time doesn’t have to look the same every day. Some mornings might be long and peaceful, others brief and simple. The key is to keep coming back, offering your time as a gift without pressure.
Remember, sacred stillness is not about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about choosing to pause and connect, even when life feels overwhelming.
