I’m not sure when early mornings became more of a necessity than a routine. Looking back, it was about the time the teenage years hit our family. As they became humans able to make their own choices, I knew there was no way I could be there mom without the help of my God. And I needed extra, more, above and beyond my own abilities.
The sound of the alarm clock was not welcomed in the beginning. Truth be known, at times I hit the snooze button, staying put for a bit longer. But as the days, and years, continued on, it became easier to wake up early. There were times I awoke before the alarm went off.
And now, early mornings are my favorite time of day.
The coffee is brewed and waiting for me in the kitchen; my Bible eager for me to open the pages.
The psalmist reminds me of the benefits of seeking God in Psalm 119:
- “Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.†(verse 29)
- “Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.†(verse 37)
- “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.†(verse 45)
- “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.†(verse 50)
- “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.†(verse 67)
- “You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands.†(verse 73)
- “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.†(verse 105)
- “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.†(verse 114)
- “As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.†(verse 143)
- “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.†(verse 165)
Funny thing hit me recently … I drink way more coffee than I used to! Seriously. As I was counting the scoops of coffee one night, only as I poured the water, did I realize I had again upped the quantity. No matter how I try to cut back, the increase slowly happens over the course of time once again.
The same thing occurred with my morning time. It began with 15 minutes. And it has grown over the years.
Our appetite for the Word of God increases by making a habit of seeking Him daily.
Last week I posted this on Facebook:
“I go to bed every night with my coffee pot set for 5:15AM. Nothing like waking up to coffee & morning devotions and now I have a song that expresses the benefits of both! #coffee #Jesus #caffeine #feelingalive #supernaturalhighâ€
Coffee and Jesus.
No cutting back now.
P.S. A quick edit because confession is good for the soul … This morning I hit the snooze button and did not wake up till 6:30AM. It happens some mornings still 🙂 But it’s all good. All by His grace. I’ll get the coffee pot ready and set the alarm clock once again tomorrow morning!
Today I am joining … #ChasingCommunity and Heart Encouragement Thursday and Tune In Thursday .
I am with you sista, and a coffee song!!
Glad for the company!!!
Love this, Joanne. Even though I don’t drink coffee, my hot Earl Grey tea and honey is waiting for me every morning, with my One Year Bible. That’s where I have my time with Jesus. Thanks for sharing your favorites from Psalm 119 too!
Tea works beautifully, Sarah 🙂
I’m with Sarah. Not a coffee girl, but bring on the hot tea and the Word! And this routine has definitely become something I look forward to now that the kids are grown and can do for themselves. Love it! Loved this post from a kindred spirit!
You both made me smile. Somehow I am thinking it’s not what we drink but what we are reading that makes our mornings special 🙂 I so appreciated your comment. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ha, cute song. 🙂 I know a lot of people who’d appreciate that one. 🙂 — (Here’s my confession: I’ve never been a coffee fan! I know! Silly me. 🙂 ).
Mornings with Jesus are the best, aren’t they? I’ve been pulling the covers up and praying and not getting out of bed quite as early these winter months myself. But, sunrises are my favorite, so I need to get back to getting up to watch them. Need to get these people in my house to get to bed earlier so I can get more rest! 🙂
I’ll think of you tomorrow while I’m drinking my not-coffee and reading the Word. 🙂 ♥
Good Morning Brenda! You make me smile as I sit here with my coffee! Perhaps I should have added – I sit wrapped in my blanket these winter mornings with my Uggs on my feet. Seriously. These mornings bring comfort. Have a great weekend, friend!
Joann you drew me in – ditto – early mornings now by 4:30 and I can’t get enough of coffee and my Jesus. I could spend the whole day in my Bible. I’ve never heard this song. Thanks for sharing.
I need to get back to a better morning routine. Somehow I have not been as consistent. I love my diet coke and God in the morning. Thank you for sharing the sone. Maree
Dear Joanne, you are so right about the comfort and power to be found when we begin the day with Jesus, even a small dose. For me, I have learned to appreciate waking up a few minutes early to begin my day praising Him before my feet hit the floor. Thank you for the affirmation.
Joanne – I am not really a coffee or a morning person, but I do get up early to workout anyway, then when I am mostly awake, I come home and settle in for my time with God… sometimes with tea 🙂 But I love your confession at the end as well, sometimes we just have to hit snooze a few times and it’s ok too.
You are the most clicked post from last weeks #TuneInThursday and are being featured tomorrow 🙂 Congratulations and blessings
Joanne,
I found myself nodding my head all the way through this post. My alarm goes off early and there is just something mysteriously wonderful about a hot cup of coffee and God’s Word. I too find I’m filling the pot fuller and spending more time in His Word. I guess you could say it’s a good addiction?? LOVE this video…truly my theme song. Right there with you 🙂
Blessings friend,
Bev xx
That’s one of the best songs yet!! Yes, just a little coffee and a whole lot of Jesus to awaken my spirit every morning!! Thank you for this post!!