When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do?
Nowadays, people say “check my phone”, which can become a bad habit. When you check your phone, you typically look at your emails which can begin to stress you out or you check Facebook or Instagram where you get absorbed by other people’s lives and you can begin the “comparison game”. Without realizing it, you start your day by immersing yourself in things that weigh on your thoughts or emotions, and can negatively impact your day.
Now, imagine if you filled your morning with God… Could the rest of your day look different? Could your mind be renewed with peace, joy and hope instead of comparison, anger or stress?
Spending time with God and in His Word can put everything into perspective. Your soul will be filled, your mindset renewed and your stress can be replaced with His peace. Your morning routine can be an easy thing to overlook, neglect or underestimate. The good news is that you have the power to choose to be intentional with your time. Make your time with God a priority and you can make a start by changing your morning routine!
Starting your day with God also makes a statement – it says that you put Him first and He is a priority in your life. Whenever you spend time with God, it’s always valuable, precious and important. Don’t start your day with life’s demands, instead, surrender to the One who has created you and all that you see.
Here are 9 ways to start your mornings with God.
1. Invest in a Bible Reading Plan (II Timothy 3:16-17)
One of the common reasons why people don’t read the Bible is because they simply don’t know where to start! If you’re having trouble with where to start, don’t fret. Invest in a Bible reading plan. It can be a good way to help you to commit to reading God’s Word every day. The schedule is already set out for you and you know exactly where to flip to each morning. God will speak to us through His Word, so it’s important to take the time to read the Bible.
2. Praise & Worship (1 Chronicles 16:29)
Create a worship playlist or listen to your favourite worship album when you wake up in the morning. Fill your heart and mind with worship music and enter His presence. You can sing along or you can be still and listen to the lyrics.
3. Create a Scripture Card (Joshua 1:8)
Once you finished your devotional or reading plan, pick a verse that stood out to you and grab a piece of paper or an index card. Write the verse down and carry it with you. Meditate on this verse throughout your day and ask the Holy Spirit for further insight into the Word.
4. Make it a date (Mark 1:35)
Choose a spot in your house where you meet God every day. Some have a prayer room (which can be as simple as a closet) or you can have a dedicated desk or study. Having a visual spot set aside for your quiet time to read His Word, praise and worship and pray can serve as a great encouragement for you to spend time with Him regularly.
5. Go on a prayer/praise walk (Psalm 77:12/Psalm 19:1)
Have time to go for a walk in the morning? Bring your headphones, listen to worship music and pray while you’re walking. Be humbled by God’s beautiful creation around you, thank Him for all He has created.
You can also pray for each neighbour as you pass by them. If you don’t have time for a walk outside, do a walk around your house. Pray for each room and each person in your family.
6. Start a journal (Psalm 143:5)
Love to write? You can start a journal and write about what you learnt in your devotional or you can even write down your prayer. You can also write lists about what you’re grateful for, how you’re feeling, what the Holy Spirit is telling you and all of the above!
7. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer is such an important part of our relationship with God. It’s one of the ways we talk to God, heart to heart. When you pray, get honest with God. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and genuine.
8. Write a list of affirmations
Write a list of affirmations from the Bible. Each morning you can pick this up and read it aloud. This is a great way to remind yourself of who Christ is and who you are in Him. This also helps to align your perspective and align your character with His. Here are some to start with:
I am loved by God. (John 3:16)
God will never leave me or abandon me. (Hebrews 13:5)
I will live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
God is always faithful. He will complete the good work that He has begun in me. (Philippians 1:6)
God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, My love will fall and fail, but God’s love never will.
for I have placed my trust in you. The psalmist is very intentional here: trusting God is an act of the will.
Show me the way I should go, I pray, “Show me, Father, which way I should go today.”
for to you I entrust my life. I say, “My life is Yours, Lord, and I trust You with everything.”
Psalm 143:8
9. Be still (Exodus 14:14/Psalm 37:7/Psalm 46:10)
In this world full of glitz and gadgets, being still can be a hard task! The notifications and emails ringing in and the weight of life’s demands can be heavy on your shoulders. However, being still is one of the most crucial aspects of connecting with God. Take a moment to breathe and remember who He is in your life, who you are because of Him and what He has done for you in the name of love. Before you pick up your phone, before you start listing everything you need to do, before you start your day – be still and meditate on Him.