This morning I woke earlier than I would have liked and could not go back to sleep. I laid in bed thinking about all that I needed to do today and just could not go back to sleep. I Thought about getting up and going to the gym. Still I laid there for another hour, thinking. Finally, 7:30 came and I decided to get up and talk with God.
It took me all of 40 minutes to make pancakes from scratch along with my coffee. I want to get comfortable, in my favorite space on the patio while communing with God. The pancakes with strawberry jelly, coffee and a ripe banana paired well. Now that my appetite was satisfied, I turned my full attention to talking with God.
The crisp morning air with birds chirping in the background, gives rise to praise almighty God for another day of breath, opportunities and challenges. I am reminded that if nature praises God in the songs of the birds, then I too should start my day with praise and acknowledgement of the graciousness of God.
“Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, how great thou art. New every morning is thy love, our waking and uprising prove.”
As I think about the challenges of the day, I am led to think about the One who gives me strength for the journey today. I begin to ask Him for directions and guidance. My mind goes to God as my refuge and strength. Psalm 91 becomes my reading for this morning.
What is my responsibility today as I prepare for this new day? Clearly to keep my eyes focused and walk in His presence. That means being guided by His Spirit, avoiding distractions and keeping my mind from drifting in paths of unrighteousness. He promises to be my shelter and shield. No terror, pestilence or arrows from my enemies will affect me, since He is my shield and covers me under His wings. He is my refuge and He is my strength, so I do not operate this day in my own strength and security. I trust His mighty arms. He even commands the angels to protect me. They go before me and behind me; why? because He loves me and I walk in His presence because He is merciful to me and gracious.
As my morning devotion comes to an end. I can still hear the anthems from the birds praising God and I join in praising Him.
