A Grateful Heart: Time with the Lord
- Debra Flaming
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
There is nothing more precious than time spent alone with the Lord in prayer, praise, and in His Word. Not because it is a duty or a box to check off, but because of a grateful heart toward the One who gives us the very air we breathe. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).
Every moment of life is a gift from God, and with it comes the invitation to know Him personally. Jesus Himself said, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
This kind of relationship is only possible because of Jesus. A holy God can only be approached when sin has been atoned for. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5–6). What a wonder—that the Creator of the universe, who formed us from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), would also make a way for us to be reconciled to Him through His Son.
My heart overflows with gratitude when I think back to the spring of 1982. As a young woman, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, receiving His forgiveness and the free gift of salvation. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). It changed everything. Every single day since, I have dedicated my life to Him.
The more time I spend in His presence, the more I love and appreciate Him. It reminds me of my marriage to Dion. When we were first married over 40 years ago, I thought I understood love. But now, after walking through seasons of joy and challenge together, my love for him has grown deeper and richer. That is what it is like to walk with God—the longer you abide with Him, the more your love deepens. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Our lives should be a continual praise fest, because He is so good to us! “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
An Invitation to You
What about you? Have you set aside private time with the Lord today? Not out of duty, but out of love and gratitude? Jesus invites us with these words: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Open your Bible, lift your voice in prayer, or simply sit quietly in His presence. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). He is waiting for you, and He delights in meeting with His children.
Let today be a fresh reminder to seek Him with all your heart. “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
With a Heart Filled with Gratitude,
Debra Flaming
