I first started having a consistent daily quiet time when I was 14. After growing up in a Christian private school, I began homeschooling the summer after eighth grade. With the extra free time and separation from some bad influences, a desire and passion for the Word of God grew in my heart. I spent at least an hour (sometimes more) in the Scriptures every day. I bought my own study Bible and read every single note on the passage I was studying. I filled page upon page with observations and notes in my various journals. I learned, and grew, and flourished exponentially during this time.

Of course, this season did not last forever. As I got a job and started taking college classes, I no longer had the extra time to be in God’s Word for so long. I grew tired of reading through every single study note, and I felt like I wasn’t learning enough to add anything to my journals. I spent many months in a dry spiritual valley, and I felt guilty because of it! I thought I wasn’t a good Christian because I wasn’t walking away from my quiet time every day with some new spiritual insight.

Perhaps you can relate. Sometime in the past you’ve struggled with guilt over your quiet time. Maybe you’re struggling with this guilt right now! If so, Naomi Vacaro’s new book, Quiet, was written just for you.