Are you interested in making a cleft of your own? Here are some ideas on where to start. The first thing to do is ask God where and when He would like to meet with you. Take His counsel first.
Your cleft is not just a place but a time as well. Carving out that time in the beginning may be difficult, but commitment to it is essential. As a young believer, I committed to rising early enough to have a window of time between when my then husband left for work and when I had to leave for my job. That worked during the week. Saturday and Sunday were both easy for me because I am a morning person.
I heard a man who plants churches in his native country speak in part about time alone with God. He arises each morning at 4:30 to read, study and pray. He believes early morning time spent with God is the most productive. His life and ministry seem to bear that out.
I have found that the principle of the tithe to apply to time as well as to money. I need to commit time to God when I am at my best. For me, that is morning. Work schedules have sometimes played havoc with how much time there is, but I still find early morning time in the cleft the best for me. It determines whether I walk in peace or in turmoil. However, each person needs to seek God when it’s best for them. I encourage you to consider when that would be for you.
In choosing a location for your cleft, it is important to remember that several needful activities are accomplished there. First is reading the Bible. Seeking God’s face in His word builds the spirit so the soul and body follow. It is much easier to hear God’s voice for yourself when you know what He has written. Second is prayer. Conversation with God is the goal here, not just reading a list of requests. Listening is as important as speaking. Third is Bible study. This is directed reading with questions and answers to be shared or for one’s own spiritual development. It is different that reading – more intense and deeper. It may necessitate references such as a concordance. Fourth is worship, sometimes with song, sometimes with silence or tears, always with gratitude. Our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – deserves and is worthy of worship.
I do not list these activities as exclusive, in order of importance, or appropriate sequence. However, the need for them means your beginning cleft needs some amenities. I found it best to start in a comfortable chair with a good reading lamp, storage for Bible, pens, a journal (simple or elaborate), a concordance, and a box of tissues. For a while, I used a writing surface (lap desk). At various times, I have had a small cassette/CD player to help in worship. Those who play an instrument might want it nearby. If prayer seems best on your knees, a large floor pillow might be of use. I found prayer seated more helpful. Some may find themselves face down on the floor at times.
The length of time may vary. Starting with just a short time will whet your appetite for more. Sometimes, I would have to set an alarm of some sort to keep appointments, because the presence of God is sweet and time passes quickly there. Sometimes when I am weary or even ill, my Father’s lap is a wonderful place for a nap.
If you will commit to a meeting place and time with God, He will meet you there. He longs to hear your voice and see your face lifted to His. In the cleft, I have found Jesus is not just Savior and Lord but my Beloved. He is mine and I am His. God wants you to know Him and be known by you. Won’t you meet Him in the cleft today?
“The Cleft” Copyright 2001