“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”—Mark 1:35
Jesus prayed. He had to step away and connect His soul to recharge just as we need to do. He is our example. We can’t hear God’s voice if we don’t’ get alone with Him to listen.
Mark 1:35 tells us that Jesus got up very early in the morning and found a quiet place to pray by Himself. He drew strength for His day through His morning prayer time.
At this stage in my life, first thing in the morning is the best time for me to get centered with Christ for my day. When I was stay-at-home mom with young children, I didn’t always have this luxury. I would say a quick prayer before I got out of bed to get my children ready for the day. My quiet time was either after they went to school, in carpool line or after they went to bed.
One of the biggest blessings of being an empty nester is starting my mornings reading my Bible and favorite devotions. Each morning, I thank God for another day. Starting my day talking to God, opens the door for Him to enter my heart. Even though the world might not change from my prayers, I do. I gives me more peace.
Spending time with God at the beginning of my day, sets the tone. It connects me with Him. A rushed morning steals my peace. If I don’t stay in touch with Him during my day, it is difficult for me to feel His presence
When God feels distant, it isn’t because of Him, but us. He is not a distant God. We draw near to Him so He can draw near to us. Regular scripture reading enables us to know God more and more. It gives us direction, guidance, and boundaries in life.
There have been many mornings when I read a scripture that speaks to me at the exact time I need it. The enemy know this and will do whatever he can to distract us from spending dedicated time with God.
With all of our electronic devices, it’s not too hard for him to do this. It’s a struggle. I no longer have the distraction of my mom calling or feeling the need to check her camera, but as soon as I pick up my iPad to read my devotions, I can easily get distracted going through my emails.
Many, many, many, times, I have found myself saying, Lord, forgive me for getting distracted. Rather than make the devotional in my inbox part of my morning quiet time, now it is saved for later when I go through my emails.
It has also helped going back to my hard copy Bible for my daily reading. However, I do still enjoy the YouVersion verse of the day that has a video and devotion that go along with it. By turning off my notifications, I can still incorporate this as part of my devotion time. I have had to find the right balance for me.
All of us are wired differently and what works for me, may not work for you. The most important thing for all of us is to set aside a portion of our day to spend time with our Prince of Peace.
Father God,
Forgive me, when I let the distractions from the enemy take away from my quiet time with You. I thank You for Your grace and mercy to start anew each morning. Help me to approach You with a focused heart. Fill my mind and heart each morning with scripture by revealing Yourself more clearly to me. May it permeate my thinking this week. I lift those up to You who are struggling with this. Reveal to them where they can carve out alone time with You to recharge their weary soul. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
October Verse
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”—Matthew 7:24 (NLT)
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