What does your morning routine look like?
I rise early and make coffee before heading to my favorite chair to start the day with caffeine and Bible study. There’s truly nothing magical about either one. But oh, I miss them when I don’t start the day with them!
Coffee, everyone understands. Bible study? Unless you’ve been there, you may be at a loss. I tend to be more patient, kinder, gentler, when I have started the day focused on God’s Word. It’s difficult to explain, but I’ll try. It’s like starting my day with Him draws from a never-ending well. And I have a lot more of Him to pour from me. (Trust me, you’d rather get trickles of Jesus than straight Stefanie coming out!)
I’m far from perfect, but chances are, if I’m cut off in traffic, I don’t linger on anger. If I spill something and need to change my entire outfit, I don’t get completely bent out of shape. Yes, it’s frustrating but it’s not the end of the world. Maybe it’s God pouring into me. Maybe it’s the Holy Spirit guiding me. Maybe it’s focusing my first thoughts on who God is calling me to be, who I want to be– someone who looks a lot like Jesus, that changes my perspective.
Maybe, it’s a bit of each.
Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence, with eternal pleasure at Your right hand.”
Starting the day in His presence, focused on His Word sets the stage for who I want to be for the day. And as a simple human, I need the daily reminders. I need the refill at least once every twenty-four hours. I need to focus on Him and take my eyes off myself. I need to consider who I am called to be and whom I am called to glorify. It’s so easy to get stuck in the self-centered rut, grinding my thoughts on how I can improve my lot, my looks or my social media likes. But that is not true life.
“You make known to me the path of life.” He teaches us how to live. He instructs on the particulars of living well. He wants us to dwell with Him, dwell in Him. He wants us to consider eternity, and the joy of spending it with Him. And before we reach eternity, how we want to do day-to-day. He’s offering to do it with us, but He is giving us a choice: invite Him in, or go about it my way.
I’ve learned the hard way that my way isn’t very good. I’ve learned that I prefer to have Him right there at my side. I realize I would much rather have a joy-filled life than the humdrum, status quo- focused on myself, existence.
But amazingly, I don’t necessarily automatically do that. Instead, I need to ask for help to get there. But that’s the great thing about God. He is always there when we ask.
How about you? Do you prefer to go it alone? Or do you wish for His help as well? Have you found a routine that helps you start the day on the right foot? Won’t you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear God, I know in Your presence is where I will find true contentment and peace. Help me to practice keeping my eyes on You and off myself. Please help me give You praise, honor and glory and not worry about claiming the glory for myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.