We are looking at Not Consumed Developing a Quiet Time. This devotional shared a very simple and helpful outline (the G-R-O-W-S method) of what your time with God could look like. It is a starting place to assist us in getting started. As we grow in our relationship with God, our time with God may look a bit different.

We are looking at the “Why” of spending time with God. Last week, we looked at fellowship. This week, we are going to talk about the next two reasons we have time with God.

1. Spending time with God helps us grow in righteousness. It is true that the more time we spend with someone, the more we become like them. The question is who we are spending our time with and how it will affect us. (Yes, I know that battle!) 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, “33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:33.

   Now, you may say, “I am isolated, remember?” Yes, I do. We can still fight the battle of who we spend time with. Are we spending our time on social media to while away the hours or with our Father. (Ouch, by the way.)

   Time with God does affect us. According to Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ti 3:16–17.

   Spending time with God in His Word will make a difference in our lives. Did you see all the different ways that it changes us?

2. Another reason we spend time with God is for direction. During high school and college, I was encouraged to read a chapter of the book of Proverbs every day. I must admit I had gotten away from that until I was reminded of it recently. Proverbs is filled with wisdom. God’s Word is filled with wisdom. We need that wisdom in our daily lives!

   Psalm 25:1-5 says, “1  To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2  O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3  Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4  Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 25:1–5.

   God’s Word helps give us direction. Often, we think of this as having direction in the “big” things, but this can also be direction for the “little” things. God’s Word guides us for daily living. Little decisions do affect big ones. We want to be faithful in the small things, wise in the small things, to be faithful and wise in the big things. As mentioned in day 10 of our devotional, the author tells her children, “Every choice you make is changing who you are becoming.” The little decisions are important.

As we walk this road of chronic illness, disability, and isolation, it is important that we spend time with God to change our journey, to help us live this life righteously and wisely. May we see the importance of our time with God and all that God can do in our lives!