By Toni Ford
Have you ever paid much attention to the last thing your mind focuses on before you go to bed at night and/or the first thing you do or focus on when you wake up in the morning?
There are multiple resources and research available to guide us in attaining the best sleep possible, which is geared primarily around our actions and our focus or thoughts prior to falling asleep.
This same concept holds true for when we wake up in the morning. Depending on our first actions or thoughts for the day, that can have an impact on the rest of our day. Do we automatically think of the list of things that need to get done or do we go straight to our computers to check emails? Better yet, do we reach for our phones and go straight to social media to see what we missed during the night?
I must admit I have been guilty of all of the above.
Thankfully, the older I have gotten, and because of often learning the hard way, I have created a much better routine as I prepare for bed and when I first wake up each morning. Especially in my morning routine, I have learned the first and most valuable thing I can do is spend time with the Lord and in His Word. By that I mean reading and soaking in His Word. By using scripture not as a self-help book but God’s Word, the Bible has greatly impacted my life over the years.
God’s Word is truth, the only truth, in today’s world, where truth is barely communicated, much less known, His Word is often all I have to stand on. Truth to be told, it is all I need. Have you ever wondered if your day would unfold differently if it started and ended from God’s Word?
Rather than making a to-do list, make a “God, today I will remember” list. May I suggest you save this list and end each evening or begin each day by reading these verses aloud and thanking God for who He is and for the truth of His Word.
God, today I will remember that:
You are eternal. 1 Timothy 1:17 says, “All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.” You have always been and always will be. You see the beginning and end simultaneously; therefore, Your people can trust Your leading.
You are unchanging. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” You are the same yesterday, today and forever. In Your eternal permanence, we find stability and peace.
You are wise. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” You are the source of all truth and wisdom. You give wisdom generously to all without finding fault.
You are infinite. Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Your judgments are unsearchable, and Your ways are past finding out.
You are omnipresent. Psalm 147:5 says, “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!” You are completely everywhere at all times. I am never alone.
You are faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” You are my covenant-keeping God. You are always true to Your Word. Great is your faithfulness.
You are gracious. Psalm 116:5 says, “How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!” You deposited grace to my account when I was bankrupt and declared my debt paid in full by Your Beloved Son.
You are sovereign. Isaiah 44:6 says, “This is what the Lord says: Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: ‘I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.” You alone have all authority. There is no king or ruler of any nation greater than You, oh God!
You are majestic. Psalm 29: 2 says, “Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Your holiness is beautiful beyond comprehension. Your glory is too marvelous for words.
Thank You, Lord, for Your Word. Please teach us to begin and end each day with You and Your Word! We give You all the praise and honor! Amen!
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!