How do you begin your day? I know, by hitting the snooze button, right? Most of us have so many things to accomplish each day that we feel overwhelmed as soon as we wake up.
If I begin my day on my own strength (of which there is very little), I cannot expect to be prepared to face the challenges that may come my way. I am guilty of neglecting the Lord first thing in the morning because I hold on to the few moments of quiet before my children wake up. I want to do some "me" things before the busyness of the day takes over. I do most of my Bible reading and praying after the children are asleep at night, but I still need to start my day with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise to my Saviour. My days go much more smoothly when my priorities are right and I have given God first place.
Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Psalm 92:1-2 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
Let me challenge you to start your day off with the Lord, but don't let it stop there. If you work outside the home, read your Bible during your break time or lunch hour. If you are at home during the day, keep your Bible open on a table, in the bathroom, or by your favorite chair. I've been keeping mine on the kitchen counter since I'm in and out of the kitchen so much during the day. I know that I have a more peaceful spirit and kinder attitude toward those around me when I'm in the Word throughout the day. Read a snippet of Scripture whenever you get a chance. It's so easy to use the excuse, "I just don't have time," but then we seem to find the time for T.V., crafts, computer, pleasure reading, etc. Make it a point to stay off of the computer each morning until you have spent time with the Lord (yes, I know I'm meddling here). Make morning time with God a priority and see if there is a change in your heart and life.Begin the day with God! He is thy Sun and Day! His is the radiance of thy dawn; To Him address thy day. Sing a new song at morn! Join the glad woods and hills: Join the fresh winds and seas and plains, Join the bright flowers and rills. Sing thy first song to God! Not to thy fellow men; Not to the creatures of His hand, But to the glorious One. Take thy first walk with God! Let Him go forth with thee; By stream, or sea, or mountain path, Seek still His company. Thy first transaction be With God Himself above; So shall thy business prosper well, All the day be love. ~Horatius Bonar