Revealing Jesus with Darlene ZschechSample

First Thing in the Morning

Does an athlete wake up a few minutes before an important competition, throw on a uniform, bounce into the parking lot moments before the meet or match is to begin, and then secure a victory? Well, not the successful ones, I’m sure. Watching swimmers and runners and other great athletes in the Olympics, I was reminded of their commitment to training, to constant preparation.

How about our spiritual lives? Do we share this same commitment to preparation? What comes first each day? Morning. When must our preparation to face the daily challenges and battles of life begin? Morning.

Even at the moment, in one of the busiest and somewhat challenging seasons of my own life, I’m so aware of His grace being sufficient for every day. The only time I find myself overwhelmed is when I have gone into the day without “looking up.” To continually be aware of God’s favor and presence in your every moment is one of the greatest treasures you’ll ever discover. That discovery happens when you “look up” in the morning and throughout the day, your attitude and expectations attuned to hearing God’s voice because that’s how you started your day.

Prepare for life first thing in the morning. Open your eyes, take a breath, and then thank God for it. With outstretched arms, ask God for wisdom, direction, and courage, that your life would be one of blessing, living as you were designed. I would love to think that the enemy gets nervous when he knows I am waking up!

In the morning I will look up to you for guidance and strength, to express my love and gratitude to you, my Lord.

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