Hello Mornings: Start StrongSample

Why Mornings? 

I love reading. Like most us, I learned basic phonics when I was very young. That good foundation was what started my journey into a world of great books. Even today, if I come across a word or name I’m unfamiliar with, I go back and pull from that good beginning. A strong start is important! 

I think a “phonics foundation” is a little like mornings. Each morning presents us with a choice: will we wake up to our lives? Or for our lives? Choosing to focus on God and His daily purpose for us helps us lay a strong foundation to build upon.

I can safely say that Jesus had a similar perspective. We know that he often prayed before His work. In Mark 1:35, we even see Jesus “rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” It makes sense to put fuel in your car before you leave town, and it makes sense to be spiritually fueled before meeting the demands of the day.

We often feel pulled in many directions with responsibilities at home, work, or with family. Before we pour into others, wisdom says we should let the Lord pour into us. When we meet with Jesus each morning, we’re acknowledging His authority to be our compass. We’re surrendering ourselves to His leadership and wisdom, and His beautiful, strengthening grace. And if the day gets tough, we can revisit that morning sweetness— mentally backtracking, if necessary, to pull from that good beginning. 

Every day, God’s mercies are new. Each day is a new opportunity to start strong with Him— in prayer, in study, in worship, and surrender. Like David, we can pray, “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8.)

How would a strong start with God each day bless you?

How might you like your mornings to look?