I've been remembering some mornings over the past few months. A glorious early morning in the mountains-
In fact, I'd even venture to say that mornings--and more specifically the manner and tone in which we set our minds and attitudes for the day--comprise the most critical part of the 24 hours that God chooses to give us each day.
Seriously, have you ever opened your eyes in the morning with your first thought being some worry or concern that has been nibbling at you from the night before? Or perhaps awoken with a groan as you contemplate the difficult or challenging activities of the day that lay before you? Or even just rolled over in exhaustion, finally climbing out of bed feeling defeated or discouraged or distracted?
Well, I've learned firsthand that's no way to set your mind and start your day. C.S.Lewis says that "The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind."
That's it--those early morning moments when everything can suddenly plop into your lap--all your worries, your disappointments, your petty disagreements, your fears--and you have the choice. Will you simply lapse into dwelling on all those diverting and disabling voices and so allow your day to follow that same disastrous path? That's surely the path of least resistance. If we don't resist that negative, faithless mindset first thing, we'll surely fall into it's well-worn, destructive rut for the rest of our day.
Or will you choose--by a conscious act of your will--to turn a deaf ear to all those whining and terrorizing voices--and listen instead to the gentle but strong voice of Your Redeemer and Sustainer?
Your choice--every. single. morning.
But your choice each morning can quite literally make all the difference in the world in your day. And those days add up. Day upon day upon day of focusing upon self and circumstances or day after day of dwelling upon the Savior and His glory.
Bob Goff put it this way: "The first decision we make each day is who's in charge. Who we pick will determine a lot about where we'll end up."
Yesterday, Janie and talked about how we both love in the book of John where the risen Lord Jesus cooked breakfast on the beach for His disciples. The Bible says it was "just as the day was breaking" (John 21:4), and the disciples had fished and fished all night long without catching one thing.
Chilled, exhausted, dirty, discouraged, and defeated. Ever had any sleepless mornings like that?
That's when Jesus shouts to them, "Come and have breakfast!" (John 21:12) Oh my, don't you know that hot fish and warm bread prepared by the Master Chef tasted heavenly after such a long, tough night? And they came. And ate. And talked and surely laughed and were satisfied and filled by their beloved Lord.
Every day we have that choice. Every morning, our Savior beckons us. "I know you've had a hard night. I know those fears that are destroying your peace. How about some hot manna from my Word?"
"I understand your disappointments. I see your hurts. But I'm here ready and waiting for you this morning. How about some breakfast with the One who adores you and can't wait to pour His strength and love into you?"
"Oh my child, I know your hopes and dreams…and your sorrows and worries. Come, let me fill you with some of my piping hot joy and fresh peace? Let's start this morning off right…together. And then you can enjoy My presence and power throughout the rest of whatever this day offers."
Each day is precious, isn't it? Never to be repeated.
But so is each morning. A wondrous new opportunity to begin the rest of your day with the Sovereign, Omnipotent King. The King…who adores you as the apple of His eye and asks eagerly, "Come and have some breakfast!"
Tomorrow morning we have another opportunity. What's our choice?
Oh might we choose wisely…and be filled to overflowing by the One who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. For in Him is fullness of joy--from dawn to dusk…and everything in between.
To God be the glory.
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