My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to you, and I will look up. Psalm 5:3
For as long as I can remember, I have been an early riser. My internal clock says, “Get up, get going, and get something done!” I must admit that as I age, after being out late, or a hard day working, there are mornings when I would love to linger a little longer in bed, but my Spirit will not allow me to stay there. So, when the alarm sounds, my feet instantly hit the floor, naturally head for the coffee, and enthusiastically engage in some precious moments with the Father.
For me, morning time with the Father is a must, it’s my real morning wake-up call. Our conversations ready me for the day ahead and spiritually refuel my tank. Our Divine appointment is the most important appointment of my day; It sets the tone and prepares the way for everything I do for the rest of the day. It is very important to get away with God first thing in the morning, before the chaos, clutter, and constant distractions, separate you from a sweet moment in His Sanctuary of peace.
The wonderful weather has provided ample opportunities for outdoor encounters with my God. God’s glorious vibrant colors during the Fall season is like hanging a beautiful wreath on the door to His world. He speaks to me through the door, “Come on in, I have been waiting for you.” His presence surrounds me. I listen, take a few deep breaths, and prepare my spirit and body to hear from God. There is no phone, no outside interference or other distractions, to disrupt my conversation with Him. After praising and thanking Him, I make my requests known.
After our time together, I head to my home office to catch up on emails and write a few fitness plans for the week. My desk faces my office window, an easel to capture and hold the beauty of God’s sunrise. Sometimes the glory of God’s sunrise is too magnificent to watch from my desk. He draws me outdoors to my driveway to take it in. Watching the sky unfold renews my mind and strengthens my spirit. He shows me that everyday is a special day, a blessing to be cherished, and an opportunity that must not be wasted!
Because of my morning time with the Father, He has prepared me for the difficulties of the day, and there will be difficulties. Even when the people of God were enduring hardships, He sent the prophet Jeremiah to encourage.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
It reminds us of God’s love for us in Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Spending time with God brings joy to our souls in Psalm 16:11
You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.
Time spent with God grants us peace and reminds us that we do not have to be anxious in Philippians 4:6-7.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When we combine God’s Holy nature, with His created outdoor nature, and incorporate into our morning routine, the benefits help reduce and manage stress, improve our concentration and mood, renew our mindset and give us direction for the day. Ten thousand books have been written to accomplish those things, yet God is the answer to the question that our soul is seeking.
Spending time in solitude with God can be difficult for some people as it will require giving God your undivided attention. But you won’t need to get ready, or put on your makeup, as God sees you as you are. You won’t need an Uber or to spend money on gas, He meets you right where you are. Just simply be still and know that God is God. It is simple to do, and time spent with God will allow His peace to guard your heart and mind. Just simply look up, pray, listen, confess any sins, and give thanks to God.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24
Jesus is our role model for spending time with the Father. If Jesus the Son of God stayed in constant communication with God through prayer, how important is it for us?
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
Consider the sweet words from Ann Frank’s writings, “I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy…”
Whether you need a morning wake-up call or a whole life wake-up encounter, emulate Jesus. Don’t waste a moment of the day! Get up early, while it is still dark, find a solitary place, preferably outdoors, and have a conversation with God.