Time Alone With God (T.A.G.)

A sister in Christ in Southeast Texas first mentioned to me T.A.G. I believe she read it in a book. It means, Time Alone with God. Time as some have said is our greatest commodity. We get the same amount of time. We know how much we will have each day.

But what are we doing with it? The Apostle Paul says, “…Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

How we handle our time will be a critical factor with the battle of the flesh versus the spirit. We know what we’re supposed to do and who we’re supposed to be as Christians, Galatians 5:16-21. Yet if we’re going to be successful, we will need time to develop our relationship with God.

This is where the battle begins to be lost. It’s not that we don’t have enough time, but rather how we use it. Christians need time with one another, Hebrews 10:23-25. We are told not to forsake the assembly. Yet time alone with God to study His word and to talk to Him is just as necessary. Sometimes Christians complain how they feel God is distant from them. Have you ever felt this way? The problem is never with God, but rather with us. The problem may be with our time management, and how much of our time we give to Him. Let’s consider a few thoughts about the importance of time alone with God. Everyday we need to T.A.G.

1. The WHY: God wants a relationship with us and expects us to make time for Him. The scriptures provide us with examples of how we are to use our time. This would include working hard, teaching our children the truth, helping others physically and spiritually, resting, and enjoying the fruit of our labors, Ephesians 4:28, Ephesians 6:1-4; Galatians 6:10; Mark 6:31; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. We can’t leave out worshipping God! As we set aside time alone with God, we will be pleasing to Him. Just as a child wants to be pleasing to their parents, we should seek to do what’s pleasing to God. He takes pleasure in those who are faithful to Him, Haggai 1:8. People go to great lengths to make sure that others are happy with them. Should we not also be concerned about pleasing God?

2. The HOW: There are several habits Christians should develop.

   1. We need to learn to read God’s word consistently. While we should read to gain information, God’s word is about transformation. Our hearts should continue to be changed by it.

   2. We need to read to remember. God’s word is designed to be hidden in our hearts, Psalm 119:11. Like the Kings of old were to make copies of the Law for themselves (Deuteronomy 17:18), it’s good for Christians to have some kind of process to help retain what they read. Maybe it’s making your own copy of God’s word that you write out. Maybe it’s flash cards to help you memorize and remember. Whatever you decide to do, it will take a lot of time alone with God. It will force us to make time in our schedule to listen to God through His word.

   3. We need to develop a prayer routine. We are told to pray without ceasing. Disciples of Jesus can pray to Jesus anytime. We do have examples in scripture like Daniel, who set time aside to pray three times a day, Daniel 6:10.  Jesus woke up early to go and pray, Mark 1:34-35. He would often slip away to pray, Luke 5:16. Should we not do the same? To help with our prayers, study prayers in the Bible. Start in the book of Psalms!

Conclusion:

We have all the time we need to spend alone time with God. The question is, will we do it? The good news is that we can begin right now! As one person said, “Busy is a decision.” Let us never be to busy to spend time alone with God!