A man of God once asked Smith Wigglesworth a question. “How do you wake up in the morning?” in other words, “How do you begin your day?” Why is that important? Because how you begin a thing matters.
If you begin your day rushing around, anxious and in a hurry, it will often set the tone for the entire day. However, if you begin your morning in peace and the presence of God – that is what will guide your day.
Pastor Beth Trussell of Cornerstone Church started a 40 Day Challenge a few weeks ago. The very first part of the challenge is this; The First Hour of My Day, I will commit the first hour of my day to the Lord. Not tech or social media for the first hour just some form of worship.
It’s sad to admit that is one of the most difficult challenges for me. Why? Because normally I am awakened with a text or email about something to do with the ministry that I feel needs to be taken care of quickly.
The first few days while entering this challenge, it made me think a lot about what I was giving the first of my day to. It wasn’t to God – it was most often to work. Which, if I am being honest, can wait an hour. It was a pressure I put on myself.
Many years ago, for about a year, I gave God a tithe of my day. I woke up, dressed and then didn’t take phone calls or emails or even visitors before 10:45 am. My sister would tell people it was useless to try to reach me before that time because I wasn’t available. No matter what. Much fruit came out of that season.
Then what happened? Honestly, I got busy with all the things that were birthed during that season and slowly shortened my time with God. I am thankful Pastor Beth brought this to the light and caused me to take notice of this.
It reminds me of a scripture I love.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise. Awake, my glory!
Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds. (Ps 57:7-10)
The Amplified says it like this; My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident! I will sing and make melody. Awake, my glory (my inner self); awake, harp and lyre! I will awake right early [I will awaken the dawn]! I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your mercy and loving-kindness are great, reaching to the heavens, and Your truth and faithfulness to the clouds.
The Psalmist kept his heart fixed, steadfast and confident – and this is one of the ways. He began his morning worshipping and praising God. He woke up his inner self to give thanks to God. That is how he began his day. My question for you today is, how do you begin your day? It matters. It really does.
