Many years ago I was in a moms small group with three other women. We encouraged each other as wives and moms, prayed together, and shared life experiences with one another. I remember our leader, Janice, sharing about her frustrations of having only “snacks” with God when she was really longing for a “meal.” I’d never heard of such a thing. My whole relationship with God could be described as just one snack after another. And not only that, but with a houseful of young children, snacks was all I could seem to realistically get.
After her comment, I began to think more about the snack/meal illustration. What if I designated one nap time a week to having a “meal” with God? What if I spent an hour reading the Bible, journaling my prayers, and slowing down enough to listen to what God impresses upon my heart?
I decided to give it a try and I grew to long for those once a week meals. I wanted more of God! More time with Him, more truth for my life, more encouragement from His Word.
Now that my kids are all in school, I’ve changed what that meal looks like. No longer being limited by naptime, I’m able to take the day or the afternoon for an extended time with God. I now designated Tuesday as my “Quiet Day.” On my “Quiet Day” I usually take my Bible, a notebook, and maybe one or two other books I’m reading and head somewhere away from home for a few hours to spend time with God.
Today wasn’t Tuesday but it was the best day of the week to launch my “meals with God” for this school year. And departing from my usual alone time, today my friend Becky joined me for the afternoon of sharing, reading, and praying—just spending time with God together. I find after a day like today I am so full. My heart and spirit are full and I feel very satisfied. It reminds me of Isaiah 58:11:
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs…and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Have you ever considered the concept of having a meal with God? Would you be interested in joining me in setting aside some specific time to have a meal with God once a quarter, once a month, or once a week?
Let me know if you’re in and I’ll be sharing more specifics of “how” in the coming weeks!
I am in! Oh I am so glad I stopped by tonight. Recently, my times with God could be pretty well summed up as "snack" times. With a toddler, homeschooling a 7th grader, writing for a magazine column, and all the things that go along with being a stay-at-home wife and mom, my plate seems to stay full. As I read your post, I immediately knew what day I wanted to set aside each week to spend extended time with the Lord during our toddler's nap time – Saturdays. Saturdays are our day of rest and it would be a perfect day for this. But I'd also like to talk to my hubby about potentially taking some time maybe once a month on one of his days off and go out somewhere away from the house. I used to do that a long time ago. Back then I think it was once a week, I would go to the local coffee shop with my journal, Bible, and maybe a book I was reading. I'd like to do that again. But I think once a week right now would not be realistic. That's why I'm thinking of maybe once a month. Anyway, I'm definitely in and look forward to hearing more specifically about the "how" in the upcoming weeks.
Take care,
Karen
I'm definitely interested… Actually, tomorrow all my kids will be in school for the full day for the first time and I don't have to go anywhere, so I could start with my first "meal" 🙂 It's been a loooooooong time!
Hi Jill,
I need this more than ever. Too often I find I "schedule" my bible time and look at it more as a item on my to-do list. I want to get away from this and soak up God!
Thanks so much for this post Jill! I really need to get back to having "Meals" with God. I haven't had a good "sit down meal" with Him in a while. I've been having little snacks and they aren't cutting it. I'm a homeschooling mom, but today my kids are out w/ MeMe, so instead of cleaning house, I'm going to go spend some time with my Lord. Can't wait to hear more from you on this subject!
Nicki
As a mom of toddler/preschoolers, even my food "meals" are often consistent of snacking!! 🙂 It seems rare that I enjoy a real meal!!
I am definitely interested in the idea of a meal with God. I would love to aim for once a week!!
I also would love a real "meal!" What a great way to think of it!