Morning devotions sounds so idyllic, doesn’t it?
Yet, something hit me this morning.
Finding time each day for Bible reading and prayer has always been hard. I have gone through times of doing devotions at night before bed. I’ve gone through times of devotion in the morning.
Right now, I seem to find time whenever I can get it.
I’ve always heard the teaching about taking time first thing in the morning, but never really applied it or thought it through.
I was just happy if I found time in the day.
The morning is just so hectic with kids and taking the step to give up sleep just hasn’t happened.
Yet, God has been working in my heart.
My heart is heavy over so many things and I know God is moving.
As I was listening to Newsong’s CD “Rescue”, this song hit me – “Before the Day“.
Rain down Your love and mercy, whisper softly to me
In the still of the morning… what happens in those moments?
Coffee going, prep for the day, check email, turn on the news and then your in. The day has started.
By the time I start thinking about God, I’m already consumed with my life and what is happening that day.
I come to Him burdened down with everything.
My mind and heart is already full of things to do, people to talk to, things to remember. I forget to be still and know that He is God over all.
I’ve already made decisions and thought about daily plans all without going to God and asking for His help, direction and protection over the day.
I finally understood the importance of morning devotions. I might loose sleep but the reward is that I have given my day to God.
Before the day has begun, I have spent time in His presence.
Taking time for morning devotions means that I’ve already expressed my dependence on Him.
Morning devotions show Him that I will center my day around who He is and not what I have to do and accomplish.
I’ve asked His guidance and help. Each morning is an opportunity to spend quiet moments with God, renewing our commitment to Him.
Psalms 5:3 says, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
*this cute song is a perfect reminder of what it is like to try and get our time with God before the crazy of the day kicks in!
Getting up each morning shows dedication and devotion to God.
It allows us to be awake to His presence in our lives.
As we go about our day, we are more likely to think about God, pray to Him, look for how He is at work in us if we have spent our first moments of the day in His presence.
We can “wait in expectation” that He is going to do something great in us each day as we draw closer to Him by giving Him our time.
Allowing our minds to “Be still and know You are God” (Psalm 46:10).
When do you do your devotions?
Also check out:
Top Ten Devotionals to Use With Your Family
How to Have Healthy Conversations With Friends
Michele Womble
May 18, 2016 at 4:55 pm“It show Him that I will center my day around who He is and not what I have to do and accomplish.”
Yes! I find that I also have to wrestle with coming to Him for Him to bless my agenda, rather than coming to Him to center my day (and myself!) around who He is and what’s on His heart…
Denise
May 15, 2016 at 4:59 amI am glad to know I am not the only one who gets bogged down with the day and my tasks. Morning for me. It is such a sweet discipline. (And FYI my husband got saved at a Newsong concert.)
jenileegoodwin
May 15, 2016 at 2:09 pmI love Newsong! It is a sweet discipline… totally agree!
Jenilee
May 26, 2008 at 12:29 pmYou girls encourage me! I understand the struggle to find time and being disciplined takes encouragement from others. The morning really is the God-given time to spend a few minutes with Him. I’m finding it is helping me be prepared for whatever challenges the day brings. I’m noticing teaching moments in the day with my girls that I didn’t see before. God is so faithful to be what we need. Keep commenting… I love it!
Anonymous
May 26, 2008 at 4:12 amI agree. It seems like everytime I spend time with God in the morning I have more time in the day. Julie J
Mindy
May 26, 2008 at 3:39 amWow! Thank you for sharing that. I usually try to read my bible while Madison is taking a nap. I find myself so busy sometimes and it doesn’t happen at all. I just shared with Jenilee that I have been struggling lately with worrying about my kids. I am almost panicky sometimes. I don’t really know what is bringing that on. Madison was chocking on a banana last week for about 20 seconds. It seemed like forever. I was shaking for hours after that. Of course, that didn’t help my fears one bit. I love your advice, Jenilee. Reading the word and praying for my family in morning may be just what I need.
Steph
May 21, 2008 at 9:54 pmI struggle with this right now. When it was just Liv and I, I got up 30 minutes earlier and spent time with God and journaled first thing. Now, I feel like when I do get up, so does Gabe (or he’s up before my alarm) and then before I know it, it’s nap time and Im reading my Bible after tons of things have already happened.