“…Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)
Do you dread Mornings? Do you need a boost of energy each morning to get through your day? Research shows that 55% of all Americans reported they are at their best in the mornings. How about you?
In my younger years I was a night owl. Everything changed when I got married and began my family. God lovingly pursued me and wanted me to change my ways. Eventually I stopped and took a deep breath long enough to listen to what He was saying. Thankfully, early mornings became a normal routine for me. Unfortunately, I tried to maintain the “night owl” hours too. To be honest, it was not a good plan. It felt like I was constantly on a wild roller coaster. What was I thinking?
A sweet friend spent tons of time explaining to me how foolish it was to burn the candle at both ends but I just knew I could do it. God has always been asking me to give it up and change my old ways. (He’s still patiently waiting for me to totally surrender my life in this area.) Oh sure, the circumstances have changed and now I’m an empty nester, but the weakness to overdo my schedule and stay up late is still a concern. I’m grateful for God’s pursuit to help me get my schedule on track and I’m holding on to my joy in Him during the process.
I’m still learning and being stretched by God in this area of prioritizing. Can anyone relate?
Learning to lean on the LORD completely has been the answer for me. Time and time again, I receive a boost of energy and a new attitude whenever I simply make the choice to seek God and His Word each morning. So many times God’s Word or a praise and worship song will be exactly what I needed.
John 10:10 “…I came that you may have life and have it abundantly.”
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.”
I recommend a wonderful book Choosing Gratitude, your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss who wrote, “But in those moments when I have found myself gasping for air, feeling that I was going under, I’ve discovered that gratitude truly is my life preserver. But that choice doesn’t come without effort and intentionality. It’s a choice that requires constantly renewing my mind with the truth of God’s Word…”
God makes everything come out right for those who love Him. All of us fall into the do-it-myself trap. No matter how hard we try we can’t do this life on our own. We need Jesus.
Be encouraged! Jesus Christ doesn’t want us to pretend we have it all together. He is willing and able to help us through each and every morning. There is so much truth in Isaiah 55:11 “My Word will not return void.” As you spend time with God and develop a closer relationship with Jesus you will be surprised how your few minutes will grow into more time alone with God. Just like everything else in life, you’ve got to make the choice to get started.
Start today with just 5 minutes with Jesus.
Read one chapter of Psalms to get you started.
Then use the acronym A.C.T.S. for your prayer time.
A> Adore the Lord (God you are great and mighty! God you are my Creator.)
C> Confess to the Lord (Lord, forgive me for…) be specific
T> Thanks to the Lord (Thank you God for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for…)
S> Supplication, Calling out to the Lord for others and yourself (Lord I need you. Lord please be with my friend…)
Studies show when you do something consistently for 30 days it becomes a habit. Try starting your day with a short 5 or 10 minutes of reading the Word of God and praying A.C.T.S. You will be amazed at the transformation.
It’s time to PERK UP with God! He is waiting for you to invite Him into your day and life.
Check out the following resources to start your morning time with God. Click on devotionals. (audio is available)
www.Biblegateway.com
www.crosswalk.com
