3 Reasons to Start Your Day with God
I haven’t always been a “morning person.” I’m not even sure it would be accurate to call me one now. I don’t particularly love the feeling of needing more sleep and depriving my body of it. The flesh wants what the flesh wants.
But the spirit wants what the spirit wants, too. And my love for Jesus and my time with Him outweighs my desire for sleep. Even on those mornings when I haven’t gotten enough rest, I just imagine what my day would be like without starting it with Jesus, and that thought is enough to get me moving.
You see, I’ve tried starting the day without Him. Total fail. Every time. I’m just not capable of handling much on my own without really messing things up. So, I’ve learned that starting my day with God is the best policy for me. Here’s why:
His mercies are new.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV
Because my struggle with sin is an ongoing one, I fail the Lord daily. But thanks be to God, that every time the sun comes up, His mercies are new. Because of God’s great love and faithfulness, each day is a new opportunity to live for Him and serve Him. If I failed Him yesterday, well, today is a new day.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t wait until the next day to get right with God. I confess at the first conviction the Holy Spirit brings, no matter what time of day it is. And I don’t dwell on my mistakes because they are forgiven and covered by grace.
But I feel a sense of renewal and restoration when I come before Him with humility and submission each morning. It’s a freshness that comes with starting a new day in His presence, knowing I am forgiven and free because of His love and grace.
His presence satisfies.
“And I–in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”
Psalm 17:15
I’m sure that when David penned those words, he was thinking of awaking from the sleep of death and seeing the Lord face to face, but sometimes I believe God is calling us to wake up now–from the death of sin, disappointment, heartache, complacency–all those things that keep us from really being alive.
We can be face to face in His presence because Jesus’ sacrifice tore the curtain that separated man from God and made a way for us to be in the very presence of the Holy One. And I’m here to tell you: His presence satisfies.
“…for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'”
Ephesians 5:14
If we will wake up and place ourselves in the presence of God each morning –through prayer, Bible reading, and worship–God will awaken the life that He placed within us. He will shine His light into each area of our lives–mind, will, emotions–and bring us into alignment with His way–the only way that brings true satisfaction. I can’t think of a better way to start the day.
His answers await.
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
Psalm 5:3
Okay, so maybe God doesn’t answer every single prayer, every single morning, but I sure do enjoy asking. I love that I can come before God and pray over my entire day before it even begins. I love to write, so I journal every morning. The great thing about journaling is that I can look back and see the answers to my prayers.
I don’t know why, but I am so amazed that God would answer some of the things I pray for–things that would seem insignificant to others, but are important to me. I love that I can lay it all out before Him in the mornings, and then start my day without fear or worry hanging over my head.
Rise and Shine!
So, I guess you could say that I am a morning person. I love to start my mornings with Jesus. I love to wake up early to my coffee and God’s presence. He wakes me gently. There’s no hustle and bustle about it. We welcome the day together, slowly and quietly.
Then the sun is up and the busyness sets in. By evening, I am usually tired and ready to relax with the family. I enjoy having some prayer time with my husband before going to sleep. Then I close my eyes and rest, knowing that in just a few hours the Lord and I will together awaken the dawn.
You asked. 🙂 For forty years I have awakened, and had my Bible reading and prayer time spent with the Lord. Just about fifteen years ago I was getting up early to take my wife to work at 5 a.m. I was getting up at 4 a.m. to read and pray; then take her to work. I was the pastor of a different church at that time, so that was my ministry or work.
When we moved to another area I just started getting up sometimes at 2 a.m. for reading, prayer and Bible study. It is the best time of the day for me.
Some nights when I go to bed I am about like a child at Christmas; and cannot wait to get up to see what present God has for me today.
By the way; I am blessed by your words of worship, praise, lifting up Jesus.
As a former morning person, one of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 5:3. I really don’t see a reason to pray if I have no faith in the recipient. If I do have faith in Him, though – and in my motivation – I can calmly wait in expectation.
Weird little aside: when I was a morning person, my quiet time was at night. Now that I’m not, my quiet time is in the morning. Go figure.
I know exactly what you mean!
Thank you! I am enjoying your blog as well! 🙂
Funny, Mema.
Waking early is such a struggle for me. I know I need it and my day is such a failure without first being with the Lord. But my flesh is so weak! I needed this encouragement today!
Praying for you to have a great time with the Lord! 🙂