God in the Morning

Chuckle: If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get? Missile Toe.

Quote: "An hour before sunrise--in creative meditation--can miraculously enrich the soul. A minute during a sunrise--in receptive silence--can gloriously inspire the heart." --William Arthur Ward

GOD IN THE MORNING

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait with expectation" (Psalm 5:3 NIV).

I'm a morning person and an early riser. Perhaps this is the result of my years in the Army, when every day started at zero dark thirty. Seriously, there is something peaceful and precious about spending some time with our Lord in the early morning -- before our minds become cluttered with the problems and pressures of the day. Of course you can study God's Word and pray at any time, but starting the day with God will set the tone for how you react to everything else that happens during the day.

Please notice in our passage how the psalmist brought his requests to God in the morning, then waited patiently and expectantly for God to answer and grant his requests. Regular communication strengthens any relationship. This is true not only between human beings, but is even more important for our relationship with God. Regular time spent with God is essential for our spiritual growth and the joy that comes from a warm fellowship with Him.

We must, however, realize that communicating with God involves much more than voicing our shopping lists of requests and desires. God wants to speak to us through His Word and Spirit as we study, meditate, and pray. What God may say to us during our quiet time with Him, is far more important than what we may want to say to God. What He says to us can change our lives. It is important that we approach God to listen as well as to ask.

"I listen carefully (expectantly) to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones" (Psalm 85:8 NLT).

If early morning quiet time doesn't work well for you, it's important that you set aside a regular time and place each day to study God's Word and pray. God's answers to your prayers will come in His own time, and you are wise to wait patiently with both anticipation and expectation for those answers. If you aren't listening carefully, you may miss God's answers.

"Little of the Word with little prayer is death to the spiritual life. Much of the Word with little prayer gives a sickly life. Much prayer with little of the Word gives an emotional life. But a full measure of both the Word and prayer each day gives a healthy and powerful life." --Andrew Murray

Love, Jerry & Dotse