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:
1. 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’m sure I max out each day’s quota of mercy. 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 take my sin lightly; I confess at the first conviction the Holy Spirit brings; but I feel a sense of cleansing and grace when I come before Him with humility and repentance the next 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.
2. 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, NIV).
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 from the sleep of death now – the death of sin, disappointment, heartache, grief – all those things that keep us from being alive!
“…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, NIV).
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!
3. 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, NIV).
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 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 day begins 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!
How about you? Are you a morning person or a night owl? When do you enjoy your time with God? Respond with your comments below. 🙂