November 17
“I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in Your words.” Psalm 119:147
Our garage is in the back of the house, so we never come through the front door. Recently I went looking for a front door key on a key chain with 5-6 keys. None of them worked! I finally found the right key to accomplish what I needed.
I’ve had zillions of people ask me through the years: “What’s the key to establishing a consistent time with Jesus?” My answer is always the same: “Begin your day with God in prayer and reading His word.” The psalmist reinforces that in the verse for today: he’s learned to get up early, lay his concerns before the Lord, and get in the word.
Jesus did the same: “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray” (Mark 1:35). I’ve always figured if the Son of God needed to get up early and seek God, guess I’d better too! I remember when I was struggling with establishing this discipline decades ago—I was NOT a morning person, so I kept trying to get with Him later in the day. I struggled with consistency. About then I heard someone say, “When does an orchestra tune its instruments, before or after the concert?”
To build consistency, set your alarm 15 minutes before you normally do. Fix a cup of java, head to a quiet place, pick up your Bible, read a psalm, and then pray. Your body and the Adversary will fight you on this so it may take months before it is engrained. But neuroscience validates that new habits can be established after repetition. That’s the way God wired our brains.
The most powerful praying is praying God’s word. Praying Scripture is the most hope-filled praying we can do. It reminds us of who God is and what He’s up to. In that Quiet Time, we can listen for His voice and receive whatever is needed for the day.
If you’re not seeking Him early and daily, decide NOW that tomorrow you will. Mature believers I know spend 45-60 minutes a morning. They started with 5-10 minutes and grew to where they are today. You can do it too!
God, get me up early to seek Your face, Your will, and Your word. Amen
The Key
Pastor Russ, I love when Jesus wakes me up and whispers, it is time to spend time together!