Early in the Morning

There is something about beginning the day and especially a new week with the Lord. There is indisputable evidence in my life and a marked difference on days I take time alone with God and when I do other things. There is a sense of purpose and focus available in His presence. My perspective of life and work and people is God-directed. There is a renewing of my mind that occurs when I am with Him and that transforms me just like Paul said it would in Romans 12. How helpful to begin your day that way rather than trying to recuperate after the fact.

Every gospel places deliberate emphasis on the early morning hours when recounting the resurrection story. Matthew says it was at dawn. Mark says, “Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise.” Luke reports it was very early in the morning. John writes, “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark…” Finding a quiet moment in the morning is difficult in our fast-paced society, though. This morning I escaped to Langley Pond for an hour or so because there was honestly no quiet place on the entire church campus, but it was worth the effort to find a way.

If getting up earlier to spend time with God is absolutely not a possibility then try some other things just to focus your mind on Him. Pray silently while you are fixing breakfast or lunch for the kids. Listen to praise & worship music while you get ready or in the car on the way to work. If you drive alone to work then you’ve got 15-30 minutes you can spend with the risen Christ. He’s right there. Take advantage of His nearness and His desire to be connected with you during the ordinary and the routine. Allow Him to renew your mind today and early tomorrow morning.

Blessings!
Pastor Gary