In our Christian walk, one of the things we must learn to do is be intentional about how we start our day. In the hustle and bustle of this mundane world, it is very easy to get carried away. Starting each day like God has no say over our lives.
The prophets showed us a good example of this:
Gen. 22:3-5;
3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he cleaved the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up and went unto the place of which God had told him.
4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
5 And Abraham said unto his young men, “Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”
Ps. 5:3;
Psalm 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Job 1:5;
5 And it was so, that when the days of their feasting were ended, Job sent and sanctified them, and rose early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus did Job continually.
Exo. 32:6;
6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Jesus also showed us a very good example of this:
Mk 1:35;
35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
The believer must learn to get up early to spend time with the Lord before his day starts. One god rule to live by is: “spend time talking to God before you talk to any man”.
Have a daily devotional life where you spend time praying, studying God’s word, and listening to what God has to say. You ought to receive direction for the day during your morning devotion. It shouldn’t be an old and forgotten practice, it’s relevant for every day.
Your daily devotion is what powers your Christian life. It’s a beautiful experience when we gather as believers, God’s presence is there and his power is immense. However, there are certain personal convictions and consecrations that are strengthened in the place of personal devotion.
It’s a commitment you make. Never begin your day without asking God what he would have you do for the day. Many Christians have missed out on God because they missed out on their morning devotions – they rushed out of the house when God had something important to say to them. A consistent devotional life helps you strengthen your sensitivity to God’s voice.
Thus, today and beyond, cultivate a good devotional life. Be consistent with it. It shouldn’t be done haphazardly, ensure your heart is there, and see yourself get better in your Christian walk.
