There are two ways to start a morning. We can moan and groan saying, “Good Lord! It’s morning!” Or we can greet each new day with, “Good morning, Lord!”
I love it when we sing, “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24)” at church. However, many think it only applies to the Sabbath day – a day we all come together at church to worship God. While it’s true that any day we all get together to worship God is a mighty fine day, it’s also true that every day is a day the Lord has made. Each and every day is a gift from God. Therefore we should rejoice and be glad in each new day!
How we start each new day can influence how we feel all day long.
In my heart I know this, but I have a confession to make. I’m not all that cheerful in the morning. Some people can’t even be approached until they have their first cup of coffee. For me it takes a little longer because I don’t like coffee. I don’t bound out of bed facing each new day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. And although I’m a firm believer in trying to get some prayer and Bible reading done before I venture out into the world each day, some days are so hectic it seems impossible.
Therefore I’ve devised a little ritual that helps me at least get out of bed with a half way decent attitude. I whisper, “Good morning, Lord,” and thank Him for something. Maybe I just thank him for a good night’s sleep, or that I only had to get up to “tinkle” one time that night, or that I can actually get out of bed, or that I’m still breathing. Even on our darkest days we have something to be thankful for. After all, with God in our lives we never have to face any day unloved or alone.
Psalm 5:3 says, “My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You and I will look up.” In a small way, that’s what I’m trying to do. I want God to hear my voice in the morning – and I want to hear His. I know God knows that I’m here, but I think it helps to let him know that I know that He knows. In other words, we can face this new day together.
“Good morning, Lord. Thank you for this brand new day. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it!”
