[Soul Sunday] Early to Bed, Early to Rise - Embracing God's Design for Our Lives

Hey?Happy Soul Sunday!!

?"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3, NIV)

?"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mark 1:35, NIV)

Don't laugh at me like they did this weekend. Now I am not ashamed, but I go to bed nearly every night at nine pm. Yes, that is not a typo. I go to bed or at least seek cover at 9:00pm.?Ever since I can remember, this has been true for me.??And no, it's not an issue, because I can stay up if I need to, but only if I also want to.?

But I am sharing this because it can be a blessing to someone else. I pray it's you. Why? Because Jesus himself sets an example for us when it comes to the discipline of rising early to connect with God. In Mark 1:35, we find Jesus rising before dawn to seek solitude and spend time in prayer. As followers of Christ, we can learn from His example and prioritize the practice of seeking God in the early hours, but early to bed is where it begins.

The Benefits of Early to Bed, Early to Rise:

Peace: When we rise early, we can experience the tranquility of the morning, free from distractions and the demands of our daily lives. This peaceful environment allows us to focus more intently on God and our relationship with Him.

Clarity: Spending time with God in the morning helps us to start our day with a clear mind, ready to receive His wisdom and guidance. This clarity can positively impact our decision-making and help us navigate the challenges we may face throughout the day.

Energy: By going to bed early and waking early, we are better able to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, which leads to improved energy levels. This increased energy allows us to be more effective in our daily tasks and more present in our relationships.

The age-old saying, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," offers wisdom that aligns with God's design for our lives. As believers, we can experience the benefits of rising early to spend time with our Heavenly Father.

In Psalm 5:3, David recognizes the importance of starting the day with the Lord. He acknowledges that it's in the morning when he lays his requests before God and waits expectantly. When we align our schedules with God's design, we open ourselves to His guidance and blessings. Rising early to spend time with Him allows us to cultivate a deeper relationship and to be prepared for whatever the day may bring.

Let us pray...

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of each new day. Help me prioritize time with You, and teach me to embrace the discipline of early to bed and early to rise. May my heart be open to Your guidance as I lay my requests before You each morning. Strengthen me to establish and maintain this habit, trusting in Your grace to transform my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Meditation:

Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind. Envision yourself waking up early in the morning, with the sun just beginning to rise. As you take your first steps into the day, imagine God's presence enveloping you. Reflect on the peace, strength, and guidance that come from starting your day in communion with your Creator.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are the obstacles in your life that prevent you from going to bed early and rising early to spend time with God?
2. How can you rearrange your daily routine to prioritize spending time with the Lord each morning?
3. In what ways can you trust God to help you establish and maintain this new habit?

Final Thoughts:

God's design for our lives involves spending quality time with Him. As you embrace the practice of getting to bed early and early to rise, remember that it's not about adhering to a rigid routine, but rather about drawing closer to God and seeking His presence each day. Allow Him to shape your life and fill you with His love, peace, and wisdom.

Take the first step today by setting your alarm earlier than usual and committing to spending that extra time with God. Keep a journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and any insights you receive as you begin this new habit. Trust that God will honor your efforts and guide you on your journey.

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Love??Lisa?

P.S.?I pray these posts are reaching you in a deep and meaningful way. What I’ve learned over the years is to first preach to myself. It's a secret. Respond to this email with "Amen" and you could win a 1:1 coaching session with me.