YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

 

We have a small dog that has been with us for many years, Rosey, the Wonder Dog. We have a morning routine. I rise very early to enjoy time in the presence of the Lord. Some hours later, my wife will simply open the bedroom door, and Rosey will come running out at breakneck speed, hop up on my ottoman and jump into my lap with her face as near to mine as she can get it.

I am always surprised by this, but grateful for the moment. She lies, facing me in my lap for a few moments while I give her a good morning pet and a little conversation, and then she jumps down to be let out. After her morning constitutional, she comes back to lie at my feet or returns to the foot of our bed. It’s as regular as clockwork and always enjoyed by all parties.

A companionable dog is a wonderfully consistent joy.

APPROACHING GOD

Does God have your attention early in the morning? Is your first thought to run into his lap, get your face as close as you can to His, and hear from Him? Do you enjoy His presence and bring thanksgiving to Him, acknowledging that He is your shepherd and Creator and that you are His?

Here’s David’s routine and reminder to us in Psalm 100 …

1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness.

Come before Him with joyful singing.

3 Know that the Lord Himself is God.

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good.

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Surely this would be the best routine as you begin the day … to set your face towards Him. To enter into His throne room with joy, thanksgiving, and humble acknowledgement that He is the Creator and you are the creature and how greatly you need Him every moment of the day.

He longs for us to come, knowing that one day we will realize it is the best place. But, until then, He waits as we sort through the world’s gods and distractions, vainly thinking there is something better there.

How much better it would be to consciously enter His presence at first light—to draw near—and to remain there, receiving the joy of His fellowship and the surety of His direction. To walk with Him throughout the day, praying without interruption. Speaking and serving others with God-initiated words and thoughts. And to lie down at night with a grateful heart, assured that He will watch throughout the night, for you are His and He is yours.