If you’ve ever been to the Grand Canyon you may have noticed this phenomenon: When you stand on the edge of the canyon and look out, it’s as if someone put a giant post card in front of you. The view is so massive and overwhelming that it almost doesn’t seem real. Here’s the thing. You probably feel the same way about standing on the edge of a new school year: When you look at everything that will be asked of you over the next 9 months, it can seem massive and overwhelming. And then someone (a youth pastor, a friend) says, “Don’t forget to have your Quiet Time” and now a new level of panic sets in.
Let’s think of it a different way. Rather than thinking about how to fit God’s Word into a busy school-year schedule, how about this: think about how to fit a busy school-year schedule into God’s Word. Think of your entire day as Quiet Time with God, and everything else fits into THAT schedule.
Below are some thought prompts to help with this new perspective. You can download a PDF version of this devo here!
- WHO?
Who will be your Bible encouragers? Who in your life can you share your Bible “wow” moments with and who will keep you accountable to fit your schedule into God’s Word, instead of the other way around?
- WHAT?
What do you want to do to engage in Scripture off and on throughout the day? Do you want to explore a book (like Colossians)? A theme (like redemption)? A person (like John the Baptist)?
- WHEN?
When are you most alert and can designate a segment of time to give God the first-fruits of your energy? It doesn’t have to be early morning. Maybe it’s during a study hall, or lunch, or as soon as you get home from school. Be creative here.
- WHERE?
Where’s your spot? Even though your whole day is a Quiet Time, you still will want a place of solitude to get to. Designate a spot that gives your mind and heart a cue that says “this is where I go to meet God.” Be creative here, too.
- WHY?
Keep in touch with why you spend time with God: enjoying intimacy with the One who gave His life for you.
- HOW?
Do you have a Bible app that you like and a Bible version you can understand? Do you have a way to highlight, mark, and make notes? You’ll also want to keep a journal of your thoughts and “wow” moments.