I've always known that the every day, at the same time, in the same place, quiet time has never worked for me. Let me clarify, it has rarely worked for my spiritual life. Sounds pretty sacreligious, but let me explain.
Someone just getting to know me would probably think that I like a schedule, that I like things consistent and that I flourish in those environments. I always that I was this way too until I realized that a schedule, consistency, discpline of doing things the same way, at the same time merely becomes part of my daily check list, my to-do's and there is rarely depth or joy in them. I just want to get through it.
Take the daily quiet time. Do you know how long I've felt guilt over the fact that I don't read my bible everyday, with a commentary next to me (at least one), and a journal? Add to that, that there isn't the same place in my house in which I do it in at the same time? I work in a church, I should have the daily quiet time down. Well, I don't and you wouldn't want me to. If I did, you would be watching a religious, dutiful person in action, checking off the list another to-do. It would be heartless and I'm pretty sure nothing would stay in my mind or transfer to my soul. (Which reminds me of the fact that I am a great test taker, but I typically don't remember much from my studies).
Recently I was reading Scripture and I sat in the chapter I was reading for a bit. I referenced some commentaries and let the passage process for a bit (I believe I was at a coffee shop for this). After this, I probably didn't return to Scripture for about 2 weeks. I did not return to Scripture, but Scripture returned to me. See, I'm a meditator. I am the person that rarely has music in her car and its not because I'm on the phone. I like to process, think, roll things around in my head. That Scripture I had read stayed in my mind, rolled around in it, came up in opportunities for application consistently over those 2 weeks. That Scripture has now been in my mind for at least a month. I remember it, I can reference it and it has planted itself in my mind, heart and soul. I've also read another section of Scripture since, processed and studied it (did this at a different location) and it has been doing the same thing.
I think this is what it means in Psalm 1, blessed is the man or woman who medidates on the Word day and night. It does not mean that you read it day and night, it is that it is in your head and on your heart. It has transformed your soul and your life.
So for those of you who have felt guilt over not having the same quiet time, in the same place, in the same way and double guilt that when you have had it, you don't remember anything from it, take heart. God is creative in how He made you to take in His truth and creative in how it can penetrate our hearts and minds. Remain faithful in seeking Him and how you best receive and He will be faithful to you
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I'm so glad that you were encouraged! Sometimes I fear being too transparent, but grateful that I was transparent enough to encourage you and hopefully others. Thanks!
Your transparency is so useful on this topic. While many Christ-followers benefit greatly from this practice (regimented quiet times), just as many do not. And like you said, there is so much guilt resulting from the disconnect. There is far too much of God all around us to waste our time getting caught up in 'who reads more, talks less, bows more deeply, prays louder, confesses more eloquently' petty debates that have add zero quality to our relationships. Laura you summed up your point perfectly - and you've encouraged me to continue seeking God with all of my might.
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