Blessed Before Breakfast: Meeting God Early in the Morningنموونە

God awaits

One of the biggest barriers for me consistently waking up early in the morning is what awaits me the next day. 

There have been times I wished I could’ve slept longer because I wasn’t excited about the work awaiting me. 

Other times I knew I had to face something the next day that I really didn’t want to face. 

Whether that be my wife after an ugly argument the night before, or maybe a major problem at work.

Then there are those times when I’ve been excited for the next day as I knew something great was waiting for me. 

All three of these things happened to Joshua and the Israelites in a series of events detailed in the book of Joshua, chapters 6-8.

It all resulted in one of their greatest triumphs, followed by a crushing defeat, and culminated with redemption from that defeat.

No matter what he was facing the next day, Joshua got up early in the morning to carry out what he believed God wanted. And it set him and the Israelites on the path to something great.

First, Joshua and the Israelites got up early in the morning to do the same thing day after day for six straight days. They walked circles around Jericho. 

Ever feel like you’re repeating the same cycles each day? Or you are getting nowhere?

Well on the seventh day one of the greatest victories in the history of Israel happened -- the impenetrable walls of Jericho collapsed and they took the city.

Soon after conquering Jericho, Joshua woke up early to address all the tribes of Israel to find out who sinned against God by keeping things from Jericho that were to be set apart. 

This sin led to God’s anger burning against them and their inability to defeat their enemies. They lost their next battle which was a battle they should have easily won. 

God then instructed Joshua to confront this sin and remove the things taken, as well as the person who took them. 

This was a major problem Joshua had to face the next day, yet he still rose early in the morning to face it.

After he did, God was no longer angry with Israel.

Finally, God assured Joshua that they would defeat the enemy who had just beaten them. 

Once again Joshua started early the next morning, and Israel captured the city of their enemy.

Each morning, no matter if something good or bad awaits you, like Joshua, you must know God is there for you. 

His presence is greater than any problem you’ll face and time spent with Him to start your day is better than any other use of your time. 

Be encouraged knowing that when you get up early to seek God, you can trust that His hand, His mercies, and His blessings will be with you throughout the day.

Today's Prayer

Lord, because of your great love I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. You are my portion, so I will wait for You.

Although we may feel differently about our experience each morning with God, nothing should change our expectations of what God will do. "See" you early tomorrow for that.