Robert Boyd Munger has an article entitled, “My Heart, Christ’s Home.”  Using a simple analogy (his heart as the Lord’s home), he talks about what true devotion really is like. He focused on an “drawing room.” We would call it the living room. His description of that room has deeply impacted my understanding of having a “quiet time” with the Lord. He wrote:

As he and the Lord made a visit through the “house” (his heart), they came upon that living room. “It was intimate and comfortable. It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a bookcase, a sofa and a quiet atmosphere.”

The Lord suggested that it would be a great place to meet.  He said, “let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet and we can have fellowship together.” So, Robert promised “I will be here every morning!” So, morning after morning, Robert would come downstairs and take a book of the Bible and open it. He and the Lord spent wonderful hours together.

“But little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be shortened.” He began to miss a day every now and again. And then several days in a row.

One morning, as Robert hurried by, he saw that the living room door was slightly ajar. So, he peaked in. And he saw the Lord sitting there. Steam from the two coffee cups swirled into the air. The Bible sat open on the footstool.

“Lord, have you been here all these mornings?” “Yes,” He said, “I told you I would be here every morning to meet with you.” Robert was filled with shame. And then the Lord spoke again. “The trouble with you is this, you have been thinking of the quiet time, of the Bible study and prayer time as a factor in your own spiritual progress (and it does), but you have forgotten that this hour means something to Me also.”

The living room experience definitely benefits the child of God who shows up. But it also brings joy to the heart of the Father. He waits patiently for each of us, every single morning. He sips His coffee, reads ahead a bit in a Bible book, and thinks about His kids.

So, this week, let’s all hurry “downstairs” and settle into our favorite chair. Let’s grab our newest mug and turn to our cherished scripture. Let’s remember that He wants to meet with us. He cares that we show up. He will listen and He will bless us.

So…. head for the living room!