41 comments

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Come to the Quiet Place

Posted on 09.13.12 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | Twitter: @NancyDeMoss
Topics: Relationship with God

The following is the intro to Nancy’s new book The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings. Let us know below where your “quiet place” is by noon EST on Wednesday, September 19 for a chance to win one of three copies. Then keep coming back, because we’ll give away three books each week during September.

 

It’s not easy to find a quiet place these days. Every parent with little ones (or teens or grandkids) knows what I’m talking about. So do students. And those working in the marketplace. And anyone who shops at retail outlets or eats out in restaurants. (I’d like a nickel for every time I’ve asked a server: “Any chance you could turn down the music a bit so we can talk?”) For that matter, it can be hard to find a quiet place in our own homes—even for those of us who live alone.

From environmental clatter over which we have no control, to clamor of our own making and choosing, we are subjected (or subject ourselves) to phones chirping and buzzing, pagers beeping, email reminders chiming, music blaring, appliances ding-donging, Skype whoosh-ing, people chattering, horns honking, video games, well, what noise don’t they make?!—even “white noise” masking other noises in many of our workplaces. And beyond all that, there’s the inner racket that often reverberates in our heads and hearts—perhaps the hardest realm of all to find a quiet place.

Truth be told, in many cases, we find it difficult to live without our noise. Certainly one of the curses of our age is that we can’t bear to be alone, to be still, to be quiet.

I am currently in my fiftieth year of walking with the Lord. One of the greatest delights of those years has been the joy of communing with Him, hearing Him speak through His Word, by His Spirit. At the same time, one of my greatest, perennial struggles has been the temptation to let other sounds and voices crowd out His voice . . . not getting still enough, long enough, to hear His voice; trying in vain to cultivate intimacy with the Savior while on the run and in the midst of incessant hullabaloo and activity.

Far too often, far too many of us—myself included—opt for checking Facebook over meditating on His Book, playing Words With Friends over savoring the Word of our dearest Friend.

Even with an endless array of games, toys, and electronic gadgets, we are easily bored. Given a momentary lull in the action, we can’t resist picking up our smartphones; texting, IM’ing, or calling a friend; checking email, blogs, Facebook, or Twitter; playing computer games, listening to music, turning on the TV, watching YouTube clips, or clicking on news, weather, and sports apps.

And here’s what’s so sad: Despite the proliferation of devices to fill the empty spaces of our lives and hearts, pervasive poverty of soul is epidemic, even among those of us who claim to be followers of the Prince of Peace.

Over the years, the devotional writings of the likes of our Puritan forebears (The Valley of Vision), Charles Spurgeon (Chequebook of the Bank of Faith, Morning by Morning, Evening by Evening), Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest), Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (Streams in the Desert), Elisabeth Elliot, and John Piper, along with numerous lesser known authors, have served to help collect my distracted heart and to whet my appetite for Christ and His Word.

It is my hope that this volume will help you cultivate a quiet heart and find fresh springs of blessing in the presence of the Lord.

I would hasten to remind you that, however useful such a resource may be, it can in no way substitute for getting into the Word itself. Think of this book, or any other devotional book, as merely an appetizer, a “pre-taste” of the meal to come. These readings are not intended to supplant your need for God’s Word, but simply to create hunger, stimulate your appetite, and tune your senses and heart to long for more of Him. One sure way to be spiritually scrawny is to attempt to subsist on short devotional readings that were intended only to send you to His Book for the “real meal.”

In order to get the most out of these readings—and more importantly, the “main course” of Scripture reading and meditation —look for a quiet place, away from unnecessary distractions. Your quiet place may be indoors or out; it may be lovely or plain, perhaps nothing more than a small closet. When you get to that place, hard as it might be, impossible as it may seem, I would encourage you to turn off your electronic devices—better yet, leave them in another room! Ask God to give you a quiet heart; pray with the psalmist: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak . . . .” (Ps. 85:8 NKJV). Then, with an open Bible, listen for the still, small voice of your Shepherd. And when He speaks, be quick to say, “Yes, Lord. I have heard, and I will follow.”

Comments

  1. My quiet place is my favorite chair very early in the morning before anyone in the house is stirring, the phone isn't ringing, and the laundry isn't calling. The only sounds I hear are the early morning crickets. Although I don't enjoy the sound of the alarm to wake me up for this time, once I am up, I cherish the time and am disappointed if I miss it. It is hard to recapture the quiet place later in the day for me. The distractions become too many.
    ot.deb@comcast.net
    posted by Debbie
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 5:52 am
  2. A quiet place, the refuge, the spot where I exhale (without realizing I had been holding my breath), is by the river. The nature, the water, the trees & the bench swing. I think of this place. I have a longing to sit there & be still. I do not go there often enough. It lives in my mind & soul. Fortunately, I have a second quiet place in my home. Our home office has a sweet chair with a footrest. It was my grandmother's. At 5:30 a.m. I take my place, in that chair and read two devotionals as well as the Word (typically a Psalm or several and/or one of the letters to the churches - currently Philippians). I felt the gentle nudge, while reading this blog today, to put the Word first & to be in the Word more than what I am. I feel blessed to feel the constant desire in my heart to be in the Word. Many days I long to go to "my" quiet place, by the river, just to soak up what the Lord would bring.
    posted by Kimberly Duvall
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 6:16 am
  3. My quiet place is traditionally in the office in my home, but it can be wherever I am able to build my altar and offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. I need His word more than my necessary food, so it is how I absolutely start my day.

    I am a fresh, off the assembly line, 63 year old widow. My husband died 9/4 unexpectedly. I have much to be thankful for in the midst of the deepest valley in my life.

    I sing His praises through this but I am commanded to do so and know that "God causes ALL things to work to my good."

    I will be at True Woman with my daughter. This trip was planned and paid for months prior and it is a divine appointment for Erika and me. This will be my second conference and her third.

    I covet the prayer of those whose heart beat with the sound of His voice!!
    posted by Judi Hoffman
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7:08 am
  4. My front porch.
    posted by Janet
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7:41 am
  5. Favotute place: A comfy chair in my cozy family room that is filled with bookcases holding volumes of book, right next to a toasty warm fireplace, with steaming hot coffee on the table next to it.

    Favorite time: 4:45 a.m. before the other 8 people in my house start filling it with noise.
    posted by Jodi
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7:53 am
  6. In the kitchen where I can see the sunrise. Preparing my husband's breakfast and waiting for him to come in. Thank you Lord for this quiet place!
    posted by Marilyn
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 8:01 am
  7. My quiet place is a chair in the living room in the morning before others are up. It's the only time the house is quiet!
    posted by Lisa
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 8:07 am
  8. My quiet place depends on where the rest of the family is! If they're in the bedrooms, then I'm in the living room! If they're in the living room, then I'm in the bedroom! Gotta be FLEXIBLE when you have a family! :)
    http://tladydesigns.blogspot.com/
    posted by Becky Green
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 8:24 am
  9. I'm blessed to have long hours at home by myself right now, due to health problems. And yet, electronics are still such a distraction! I finally moved my laptop away from where I read my Bible (from sofa to kitchen), so now there's a definite spot for having time with God. It helps!
    http://dogfuranddandelions.com
    posted by Elizabeth Johnson
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 8:31 am
  10. My quiet place is on my back deck as the sun is coming up.
    www.jodylynne.com
    posted by Jody
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 8:56 am
  11. my quiet place has changed so many times over the years depending on children, what rooms are being used, etc! But my basket with my Bible, journal, study guides, present book I'm reading has remained the same - and just moves with me. At present I have 2 quiet spots - my living room sofa with bench in front where I can pray or my deck chair facing my side yard (so I don't see anything)! I so love it being outside with my dog at my feet - she loves "my quiet time" as well! God is so gracious - I know we all long for quiet time right at His feet
    posted by cynthia lewellen
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 9:18 am
  12. My quiet place is also my enclosed deck very near the river. I have a housemate but I am the early one and do relish the quiet time. We don't have TV but I have to guard the distractions from the internet as I seek to truly meet with the Lord. ROH has been such a help over the years in providing solid teaching and challenge to follow on to know the Lord.
    posted by Donna M Rasmussen
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 9:35 am
  13. My quiet place is the sun porch in the back of my home lookout out over the backyard. I can see the outdoors, nature, which reminds me of God's handiwork. I am learning to listen to God and just enjoy being in his presence in the beautiful silence.
    posted by Elveria
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 10:06 am
  14. I have a favorite place to sit in my living room. I keep a basket of devotional and Bible study materials next to it with pens tucked in the drawer of the side table, so I don't have to gather anything up. My gracious husband has learned that it's my "reading spot," but if he sees that I also have a candle lit next to me, he knows I'm in my "Tent of Meeting" and he doesn't disturb me. :)
    posted by Lynda
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 10:11 am
  15. My quiet time place is my married daughter's old bedroom. It can be locked and has my grandmother's fabulous recliner. It is so wonderful to be able to have a quiet place all my own after many years of not having one.....so grateful.
    posted by Susan Baker
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 10:16 am
  16. I meet with the Lord at my dining room table, after my husband has gone to work. My time with Him is very precious and special to me. It is my lifeline to receive His wisdom, grace, and strength for the day. Nancy, I am also re-reading your book "A Place of Quiet Rest" to use as a resource to aid in my teaching of a few classes for our ladies for our Fall Ladies' Bible Study. (We will be using Cynthia Heald's book, "Becoming a Woman of Simplicity" as our main book.) "A Place of Quiet Rest will go perfectly with Cynthia's book, and I am being "re-blessed" as I re-read it!

    For Judi: I am so sorry that you have so recently become a widow, and so unexpectantly, too. Your love and trust in the Lord shines through your words.
    I'm so glad you and your daughter are still planning on attending the TW conference. May "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) comfort you and your family during this hard time. May you find a place of refuge, security, and peace "Under His Wings."

    In Him,
    Arlene
    posted by Arlene
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 10:20 am
  17. My favorite quiet place is sitting by the lake at my parents' cottage, where I spend a lot of time in the summer. I also enjoy sitting in my lawn swing surrounded by our beautiful woods. When it is too early (or too cold) to be outside, I usually sit in a rocking chair overlooking our deck and where I can watch the sunrise. I have all my devotional books & my Bible in a tote bag, so I can just take it with me wherever I go. My day is not complete until I've had my quiet time with the Lord!
    truewoman.com
    posted by Dawn
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 10:54 am
  18. My quiet place is at home when my son takes his afternoon nap. But it is easy to get distracted with the urgent calls of the things I need to do around the house.
    posted by Rachel B.
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2:28 pm
  19. The corner of my sectional before the sun rises.
    www.makingmuchofhim365.com
    posted by Sarah Farish
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 3:10 pm
  20. I live on a very small Bible Institute campus in Peru and we're pretty busy during the day with classes and work hours and everything in between so it's hard to find "quiet time" apart from our obligatory devotional time (20-30 minutes). My quiet time is in my bed at least 30 minutes before the wake up bell rings and before all the noise of the day starts.
    posted by Sharise
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 3:16 pm
  21. My quiet place is on the floor next to my bed. With 2 children under the age of 2, I stay very busy and it's rare that our home is "in order." Sitting on the floor facing the wall prevents me from seeing (and being distracted by) the piles of laundry and dishes that await me!
    posted by Ashley
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 3:20 pm
  22. I have a lovely sun room with French doors to close it off from the rest of the house. It has large windows, a small love seat and a coffee table with a top that rises up for my Bible and notebook/journal. Above the doors as I enter is a sign I found at a craft fair. It says," Be silent and hear the whisper of God." I am so blessed to have this spot;but we plan to move and I'll have to find another quiet place. God is good.
    posted by Carolyn Putney
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 4:18 pm
  23. My "quiet place" is my kitchen table. I've found that sitting there (as opposed to my bed or a comfortable chair) keeps me more awake & focused during my bible study & prayer time.
    posted by Sharon
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7:48 pm
  24. My quiet place is mainly my room. Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband Judi hoffman. Hope all is well.
    posted by mel
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 8:13 pm
  25. My favorite quiet place is my screened in patio, early in the morning while it's still dark outside. As light begins to dawn, I enjoy hearing the birds begin their chirping. On days off, I love sitting in the yard reading with the sun beaming down on me. A special treat is going on long road trips (to visit grandchildren!) with my husband driving. He likes it quiet which gives me wonderfully extended time to read and study and pray. Those are especially blessed times with the Lord!
    posted by Susan
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 9:57 pm
  26. My quiet time place various, it can be in my study I have a ROH prayer knee pad, that is use to kneel down and pray, or in my kitchen nook area where I look out into my backyard, where I have two willow trees, and hear the cricket chirping, and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. This is also where I meditate on the Word, as the Holy Spirit reveal to me His truth. I find these times to so fulfilling, rewarding and an awesome time with the Lord.
    posted by Cathryn
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 11:23 pm
  27. My favorite quiet place is early morning walking down our country lane to get my disabled 71 year old husband his newspaper before he wakes up for the day. Its just so serene with the warn beautiful sunrise or rain or snow, beautiful skies, four legged critters, birds, butterflies etc. Then I either sit outside or inside at a table by sliding glass doors, depending on the weather, and just sit still listening to the birds at our feeders while I read a short devotion and open His prescious Word for the day. I thank the Lord for our seven beautifull humming birds this summer. What peace I find with his creation all around us. My husband needs a lot of care with his disabilities and depression but God is so faithful and I love to crawl up on His lap and just love on Him (what peace). What a glorious Savior I serve and how much He blesses me each day in His Word and love.
    centruy Link
    posted by Donna Cohick
    on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 11:26 pm
  28. My quiet place is by the lake near my house. Life in the city can get very noisy, loud, and distracting. Sitting by the lake near the water gives me a sense of calmness that I can never get in the urban jungle. This is my quiet place, my place of rest, rejuvenation, and restoration.
    posted by Roxana Ng
    on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 2:38 am
  29. My quiet time really isn't totally quiet as this article so graciously pointed out listening to music, can make for time with our great Father not totally quiet.
    I turn on praise music just as my husband exits the front door at 6:30 and will either make his gateraid for the next day or gallon of sweet tea for when he returns home. Th
    I spend time reading my bible at the kitchen table until my son gets up. We educate here at home so I preread and study the scripture for the day as he and I will read together and discuss after breakfast.
    posted by Kristina Y
    on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 9:55 am
  30. QUIET TIME is anytime of the day when I need to just find that inner peace. It can be while at Sunday School, while in the house with my hubby watching the game, while the kids are visiting, or whenever. But its the time when I am crying out to Jesus to help me to become more fully like Him!! This in no way makes up for my bible study and alone time with HIM!! Its just anytime of the day when I need to be at peace, and the only way to do that is bow my heart and ask for help from my personal Saviour!!!! Then I'm alone with just me and Him as He speaks in the midst of all the worldly options available......
    posted by Brenda Jones
    on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 1:07 pm
  31. My favorite quiet place with God is Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado: gorgeous scenery, bright blue sky, longhorn sheep, a babbling brook and a waterfall. I've been there several times on spiritual retreats. But I now live in Memphis, TN -- far away from all of those things I love. (Except for the blue sky, which is actually blocked by very tall trees in my yard!) However, the quiet times I've had on those retreats have inspired me to make beautiful quiet mini-retreats wherever I am. A corner of the living room with a cup of tea and my Bible will do. Dancing in the kitchen to praise music when nobody is with me but Jesus. Sitting on the deck, looking up at those tall trees that point to heaven. Walking in the park, praying or just listening to Him. I love my quiet times with God and I need more of them. They are my life line. I heard Nancy speak at the Gospel Coalition conference for women and I took her 30 day challenge. Thank you!
    posted by Suzanne Greer
    on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 9:40 pm
  32. I have recently moved to a new house and am still trying to find my quiet time and space. Right now I have my quiet time in my break room at work during lunch (since I take my lunch alone). Life at home is so hectic right now but I am praying that the Lord shows me where my quiet time should be.
    posted by Christi
    on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 2:04 pm
  33. My favorite quiet place is on the couch in my fireplace room, with large glass doors looking into our back yard. Well I would have to say, that this is a second choice, to being outside IN nature, where I have always felt a special sacred closeness to the Lord in the middle of His creation :D
    posted by Sarah M
    on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10:12 pm
  34. My quiet place has taken many forms over the years from my favorite rocking chair, to my back porch, in the car on my way to work and even in my office once I get there (because I arrived early enough before the chaos began).

    Most recently, however, my quiet place has been at 6am every morning at my kitchen table. What a pleasure it has been to spend isolated time with my Savior! I sometimes use devotionals, but lately, I have wanted nothing but His pure, sweet word to me.

    My older son who is 6 years old is showing a desire to read the bible also He is an accelerated reader and often, he has "caught" me meditating on my bible. He has been inspired to do the same! There is no greater joy than to see your child desiring Christ and His Word. The other day he said, "Mom, you are reading your bible, I juts read mine too!".
    Eternally Priceless!
    posted by Anita
    on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 8:18 am
  35. There are some days when my quiet place is in my husband's garden at our backyard...just Jesus and me and the sounds of birds as they fly overhead. I am homeschool mom to 3- ages 6,10, and 12. Our 6 year old has developmental delays and he is on a neurodevelopmental home program.So there are most days when I have to choose to quiet my own heart as I work with him...talking to Jesus about him or memorizing God's Word aloud as we do the exercises together. We have I John 4:10 hidden in our hearts now, what a joy to hear him speak after years of waiting for words to come out of his mouth. Thank you my Lord Jesus!
    posted by Pam Tagailo
    on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 6:30 am
  36. My quiet place is often an old Morris chair up in my bedroom. Its wide arms are perfect for balancing my journal. The computer is in reach, in case I can't think of the "address" (book, chapter, verse number) of a scripture that I have remembered but can't quite place. When the weather is nice, I'll occasionally shake things up and choose a quiet place I've designed in the yard -- a formerly "wasted" space in the side yard. It began with a pair of homely chairs that were pushed aside and abandoned over there, out of the way. The closeness of the walls provides a warmer-than-usual shade much of the day (and I later discovered: quiet solitude). I had the idea to build a trellis overhead which my sweet husband provided for me, and have trained vines to it wide enough to create a narrow, flowering curtain, then planted a groundcover beneath my feet. It is one of my favorite quiet spaces: in the daytime when kids are in school, it is so quiet that it took getting used to.
    posted by Angela
    on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 10:05 am
  37. My quiet place is in my hottub out on our deck. I am able to spend time there without thinking about little distractions because I am not likely to jump out dripping wet to run to do them. It is a wonderful place to praise my Father God in the midst of the sky, trees, birds and beauty. I started off by reading devotionals and scripture. Through the years it has grown to be the best place for me to memorize God's word. I now carry my basket of books out every morning because I also bring a hymnal. Sometimes old hymns come to my mind as I quote or read scriptures. When I retired a year ago, my sister gave me a waterproof Bible which I treasure. I have become passionate about hiding God's word in my heart and feel so blessed that God has allowed me to memorize chapters and most recently the book of James. I never thought I could memorize, but by accepting your challenges on ROH and those of others, I have seen how God's Word has strengthened my witness.
    posted by Sonya
    on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 2:38 pm
  38. Dearest Nancy,

    I already have your book (love it!) so I don't need the free one. Thank you so much for writing again to encourage our quiet times with the Lord -- such a crucial part of our relationship with Him. My quiet place in usually my husband's study/finished porch area off our kitchen. I love to go there in the (usually early) morning with a big cup of tea (in the scripture tea cup that Jenny gave me! :) [Met Jenny here on the blog some years back; she is now a personal friend -- thanks ROH!]) The room is surrounded by windows with birdfeeders on one side, and bookshelves on the other side (with commentaries, etc.). There is a cozy couch, a heater, and a desk w/computer -- all of which I use. At this season of life, my husband doesn't need his study first thing in the morning, so it works. I am very blessed to be there and relish the quiet... and communion with my Lord Jesus... I am thankful for all the Lord has taught and is continuing to teach me over the years, through His many servants (inc. ROH/TW).

    Love you all and pray He blesses the conference abundantly. I'm so sorry I won't be making it this year either. One of these days, Lord willing!

    In His love,
    Leslie S.

    Pr. 2:6 (from my reading today)

    P.S. Still enjoying memorizing scripture -- habit started through ROH, on a regular basis -- Sonya above made me think of that. PTL!
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 6:13 pm
  39. I get up between 5:00 - 5:30 am. Before anyone else starts stirring. I sit in a chair in our living room and spend quiet time. Another place is our front porch. I really cherish this me time with the Lord. It sets my day off right.
    posted by Mendy Evans
    on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 4:18 pm
  40. At 3:00am in our family room.
    posted by Ruth
    on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 12:35 pm
  41. Thanks for your comments, and congrats to Kimberly Duvall, Jody, and Sarah Farish. You just won a copy of "The Quiet Place" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss! Check your inbox for details.
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 4:11 pm

Leave a Comment:

We love hearing from you, and will post your comment as long as it is appropriate, and is written in a tone that is encouraging, edifying, and loving to others. Even then, know that the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts.