Quiet Time: Better Than a Bubble Bath

After a long, hard day, there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a bubble bath to wash all your worries away. Or maybe you’re someone who likes to end the day with a good book to distract you from your worries. Perhaps you’d rather drink chamomile tea to ease your anxiety. Although these things can, in fact, calm you down—they don’t have the ability to relax you spiritually. And they certainly don’t offer peace. There is only one way to receive the peace we need after a stressful day, and the way to receive that is by spending time with our Heavenly Father.

Just as a married couple must spend quality time with each other to keep their relationship alive, we must also have quiet time with God in order to continue growing in Him. I can’t think of any better way to wind down, get ready for bed, and prepare for the next day than spending time with Him.

So instead of doing yoga the next time you feel anxious, spend about a half hour with your Father. And the next time you’re tempted to escape your troubles by reading a book, open your Bible instead. Remind yourself of the verse Philippians 4:6 which states:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Turn on some worship music and bathe in God’s presence, trusting that He is in control. If you’ve messed up that day, keep in mind that His mercies are new every morning. Give all your burdens to Him, knowing that nothing in your life is too big for God to handle. There is no form of yoga that can completely still your fear the way God can. And guess what? You don’t even have to wait until the end of the day to receive His peace. It’s available to you seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.

That’s much better than a bubble bath, don’t you think?

(Originally posted November 2012 at RealTeenFaith.com)

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