Down Time

How often do you have time alone... just you, yourself, and... _____? ...fill in the blank there. You don't have to answer out loud, but just fill in the blank in your thoughts.

Here are some possibilities:

• you
• your idols
• your vices
• The Lord, God

If you really think about it, when you have "quiet time", "alone time", "down time", "me time"... whatever you wish to call it, how often is it focused on you, or on one of your idols or vices? ...and how often is it focused on God - knowing him, knowing why He created you, and knowing how He loves you?
By "idols", I mean something that you pour your heart into, a person or thing in which you have blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. At some times, this may be thinking of hobbies, sports, job or aspirations; their money; their retirement plans; their family; their friends; their favorite TV show, their favorite comic book character, etc. ... these are things that are not necessarily "bad", but if they are out of balance with an honest relationship with your creator, these things can still leave you feeling empty or striving for more. At other times, you may focus your mind thinking about a particular vice - an immoral or evil habit or practice (be honest with yourself). For most people, there are probably times when we focus our minds on both at various times, it's our sinful nature. But how does God feel about that?
Basically, ask yourself if you spend more time focused or centered on yourself, your needs, wants, and desires; and then weigh that against how much time you focus on God - knowing Him, knowing His attributes, knowing His word, His truth, His plan, His salvation, His eternity with or without you. This is the God who is, who was, and who is to come (Rev 4:8); the God of Jacob - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
After you've had this conversation with yourself (and maybe with God listening in), consider these truths:
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Cor 4:5

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2

Spend some time thinking and praying about these truths. Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you, and to open up some answers, giving you wisdom in this area of your life. Do you need to spend more quality time with your creator? We all have a thought life, we all have time to spend thinking about one thing or another. Consider making that time more about your Lord, God and saviour, and less about you.

Humble yourself and pray "...less of me, Lord, and more of You!..."

Blessings...

-atg-