An Appointment With God

When You said, “Seek My face.”
My heart said to You, “Your
face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8

I'll never forget the dear lady who taught me a lesson several years ago. The thing is that to this day, she doesn't even know it. One summer day, I called her on the phone for her input on something. Her son, who at the time was in his early teens, answered the phone and I simply asked if I could speak to his mom. He immediately said with great courtesy, “No Mrs. Lanoue...she can't talk with you right now.” I expressed that I hoped she was okay and not ill. I'll never forget his reply. He said, “No, she isn't sick...she's in the bedroom talking to God.” I managed to get through my surprise and simply asked him to have her call me when she had time.

When this lady returned my call, she said she figured I was surprised with her son's reply to my request. As I recall she had six children. She told me that her children know that except for Sunday, when at home, she has a personal appointment with God at 10:00 in her bedroom with the door shut. Her children knew that she was never to be disturbed during that hour unless someone was hurt, sick or her husband called. She had found it easier to make her main time with the Lord a little different from most.

Another lady who had what I consider to be a different time of prayer is someone I could have never known in person because she's a historical individual. Her name is Suzannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley. She had 19 children. She herself had grown up in a family with 25 children of which she was number 25. Suzannah's home must have been a bit of a rowdy place with having so many children. Off and on during her day, she had a habit her children had come to know well. When Suzannah wanted time with the Lord, she sat down in her rocking chair and pulled her long apron up over her head. In that moment, her children knew to be silent. Older children took charge of the younger children in those moments, perhaps leaving the room or going outside. When the apron was up, Suzannah was with Jesus.

What happens when we make appointments? Usually we make appointments because those visits are of some importance. It's important, for example to see the doctor or dentist. They are usually accommodating with our schedules. I almost always have the pick of day and time. When appointments are made, we write them down usually on a calendar of some sort. Does an appointment with God require setting the time and writing it down. It does if we can't remember to have that regular appointment. We may need to do that until our time with God comes to be second nature.

I realize we live in busy times, but I know from my own experience that I manage to make time for those things that are important in my life. I generally can make time for those things that have some urgency. We often take advantage of our loving Heavenly Father believing He loves us and will always be around so we can give Him the crumbs of our lives when we feel like it.

Some hints to help:

DETERMINE: Yes, determine...that we are going to give God quality time and attention even if it means giving up time we spend on other things.

PRAY: We should make it a matter of prayer that we are going to be faithful in seeking time with the Lord on a regular basis. We can pray anytime and anyplace and praying for a tender heart regarding the relationship we want with the Lord. However, it's so much better and thoughtful to give God some specific time in our daily routine.

DISTRACTIONS: Too often, no matter how determined we are to spend quality time with the Lord, we have distractions that interrupt our train of thought such as phones ringing or the noise of children or pets. If Suzannah could discipline (teach, train) her children to respect the uplifted apron with 19 children in the house, I think we can do it with one, two or three children. I just know that I know of a special lady who didn't just train her children to be quiet during her time with the Lord, but those children were trained to know the importance of what their mother was doing. I'll never forget that boys voice as he said that his mother was in the bedroom talking to God. It just seemed to be a normal thing to him.

PLAN: Make a plan that is YOU. We too often want to copy what others do and often, it just doesn't fit. I have friends who get up at 6:00 in the morning for their time with the Lord. I have never been and never will be a 6:00 AM person. That doesn't mean I can't pick another time. Have all materials you need at hand. Some folks like a cup of coffee, tea or in my case, Diet Coke. Everyone will be different, but we need to make our own plan and time. God loves meeting with us, but He wants us to be genuine, real and transparent with Him.

RELAX: Perhaps as important as anything, this time should be a time when we can relax with the Lord as we read, meditate and pray. We shouldn't be hurried. Just as with any friend, we want to have an enjoyable time...a time of fellowship where God can speak in that still, small voice to our hearts.

I'm not up to the standard that friend of mine of so many years ago. I'm definitely not a Suzannah Wesley. I don't have a house full of children nor do I own a big apron. I do hope I love and serve my Savior as much as those ladies did. My appointment with Jesus is perhaps the only place in my life above all relationships where I can be me, totally. That can be uncomfortable at times if I harbor any sin in my life but with my repentance, I'm back on track and our fellowship is sweet.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the privilege of spending time with You. You give me Your undivided attention anytime I want it and I'm grateful for that open door into Your presence. I pray I will be more consistent in my time with You. I love You..In Your precious name. Amen