Depth Requires Time: No Shortcuts to Knowing God
"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." — Mark 1:35 (ESV)
If Jesus — the Son of God — made time to be alone with the Father, what makes us think we can skip it?
George Muller was among the most remarkably faithful men who ever lived. He cared for more than ten thousand orphans, received millions of dollars in unsolicited provision, and did it all without ever once asking anyone for money. He simply prayed — and God answered. When asked about the source of his strength, Muller didn't point to strategy or discipline. He pointed to time spent with God. He wrote, "No one should expect to see much good resulting from their labors if he does not spend time in prayer and meditation."
That line has stayed with me for years. I've returned to Muller's autobiography more times than I can count, especially during seasons of difficulty. Every time, I land on the same truth: God sustains those who walk with Him. I am also reminded that depth with the Lord doesn't happen by accident. It takes time. Consistent, intentional, unhurried time.
Most of us know this. And most of us still treat our time with the Lord like a box to check. A quick devotional. A prayer on the way to work. A verse screenshot on Instagram. Then we wonder why our relationship with Him feels shallow and our struggles feel so big. We're giving God our margins and expecting the closeness that only comes from giving Him our mornings.
Spending time with Jesus isn't about logging hours — it's about showing up with your full attention. It's time to observe how He works. Time to think critically about His Word. Time to ask honest questions and wait for answers. Time to weave the details of your life into Him and His larger story. It's not a task. It's a relationship. And like every meaningful relationship, it demands a consistent, quality presence.
There's no shortcut to knowing God. There never has been. If you want depth, you have to show up — and stay awhile.
Big Idea
You can't microwave a deep relationship with God. Knowing Him requires what it has always required — consistent, intentional, unhurried time spent in His presence.
Questions to Ponder
Are you in a place where you wish your relationship with the Lord were more profound, meaningful, and heartfelt — and if so, what's actually standing in the way? How much of your time with God is spent checking a box rather than genuinely seeking to know Him? Why is that?
Application
This week, set aside fifteen uninterrupted minutes each morning — before the phone, email, or the day takes over — and spend them with the Lord. Not rushing through a reading plan, but sitting with Him. Read a passage slowly. Ask Him what He wants to show you. Write down what comes to mind. Do this for five consecutive days, and notice what shifts in your heart and your week.
Before the Lord — a daily devotional by Blake S. Crawford. Read more and subscribe free at blakescrawford.com/before-the-lord.