Joy Comes in The Morning
Mornings have a unique way of setting the tone for the rest of our day. How we start our mornings can greatly influence our mindset, emotions, and overall well-being. I remember when my boys were young and the rush in the morning to get everyone out the door to school. It seems as soon as my eyes would open, my mind would be racing with the never ending list of things I needed to do that day. But those mornings hit harder when the night was spent weeping or grieving over loss or pain or something I was struggling with. Nights seem so much more intimidating in the dark and pressures seem so much more overwhelming when night falls. Everything is magnified at night!!
But thankfully God gives us a brand new grace each morning. He gives us a brand new hope, a brand new joy for the day!! There have been times that I was able to set my early morning devotions and prayer time first and boy oh boy did the day go better when I could wake up and start my morning with Jesus! As believers, embracing the day with joy and gratitude can be wonderfully transformative. In this blog post, we will explore the power of joy in the morning and how scripture can inspire and uplift us as we embark on each new day.
The Gift of a New Day:
Scripture reminds us that each morning is a precious gift from God. We dont’ have to live in our times of loneliness or sadness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) says, "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This verse encourages us to approach each day with a heart full of gratitude, acknowledging God's faithfulness and love that never wavers.
Rejoicing in God's Presence:
When we change our perspective, God can illuminate what His plan is for our life. When we change the way we think about a situation, we can give way for God to speak to us and we can find the joy in the otherwise overwhelming obstacle we may be facing. But we must spend time in God’s presence to change our hearts and minds. Psalm 5:3 (NIV) says, "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." This verse reminds us of the importance of spending time in prayer and communing with God in the morning. By seeking His presence and entrusting our cares to Him, we can experience a profound sense of joy and peace that carries us throughout the day.
Finding Strength in the Lord:
Mornings can often be accompanied by feelings of weariness or uncertainty. However, Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) assures us, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." As we start our day, let us find solace in the knowledge that God is our source of strength and that He empowers us to navigate any challenges that may come our way.
Choosing Joy in all Circumstances:
The apostle Paul encourages us to cultivate joy regardless of our circumstances. Philippians 4:4 (NIV) states, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This verse reminds us that our joy is not dependent on external factors but rather on our relationship with God. By choosing to rejoice in Him, we can experience a deep and abiding joy that remains unwavering even in the face of adversity.
Spreading Joy to Others:
Proverbs 15:30 (NIV) says, "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." As we embrace the joy of each new morning, let us also seek opportunities to share that joy with others. A smile, a kind word, or an act of service can brighten someone else's day and make a lasting impact. By extending God's love and joy to those around us, we become vessels of His grace and agents of positive change.
So don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. Take time out each morning and embrace the morning with joy, it is a beautiful way to invite God's presence into our day and live out our faith with a grateful heart. By anchoring ourselves in scripture and embracing its truths, we can find strength, hope, and unwavering joy as we navigate the challenges and blessings of each new day.
Marion