My Private Times with God

When the Lord wants to get my attention, he wakes me up at 4:32 in the morning.  Not 4:30 or 4:45 or 5 a.m., but 4:32 exactly.  It’s like a special signal I’ve come to recognize because it’s so unique.

I’ll be in a deep sleep, but my eyes will suddenly fly open, I’ll be wide awake and when I turn to look at the clock, sure enough, it’s 4:32 a.m. precisely.

I’ve learned that this means “Get up, I want to spend time with you.”  So, I quickly get out of bed (before I doze off again!), grab my bathrobe, notebook and Bible and make my way upstairs to my living room couch.

Sometimes, my heart is immediately burdened with something or someone and I begin to pray.  Other times, I’m led to the Scriptures and the Lord has a special word, direction, strategy, or promise for me about a situation I’m wrestling with.  I always write these down and date them so I can come back later to see how He’s acted in that situation.  This list provides me with a amazing record of His faithfulness and it helps build my trust in His character, strength and grace.  I also try and memorize the Scripture verses He gives me, and as I repeat them to myself throughout the day, they remind me that God is working on my behalf.  What a comfort this is!

On occasion, he wakes me because He knows the day ahead will be full of trouble, that the enemy is planning an assault and I must put on my armor and call down protection over myself and my loved ones.  Sure enough, within a few hours, a storm breaks, but because I prayed, it is less severe and we are able to get through it faster.

I admit that there are times I am too tired to get out of bed and I miss these private sessions.  Then, when the day unfolds and trouble comes, I always regret not being ready because I know God was waiting with the provision had I been available to receive it.  These are the times I confess to Him that I am a weak and wobbly sheep, I ask for His forgiveness, and trust that His grace will be sufficient for my every need.

He never disappoints.

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.  
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him.  
He hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love Him.”
(Psalm 145:18-20)