Sweet Surrender

I didn't have the greatest start to my Saturday one particular morning. I let my frustration towards my husband build up. I felt God nudging me to sit down and spend some time with Him before approaching my husband. But of course, I just couldn't leave it alone. Instead, I went directly to my husband and poured out all my frustrations. Needless to say, I did not handle the situation with much grace, compassion, or care. Thankfully, God worked even in the middle of my lack of judgement. With a good, yet painful heart to heart we were able to work things out.

But it left me wondering how differently I could have communicated or how much more lovingly I could have responded had I heeded God's invitation to meet with Him first. I question why I am hesitant to give God the first of my day. Why is there always something that seems to be more important or pressing than sitting in God's presence and letting Him transform my heart before I face the day? How many times do I let distractions take priority over being present? And why, oh why, am I so slow to answer when He calls?

I know that giving God the first of my morning changes the whole course of my day. Yet I still struggle to surrender the early parts of the day. I say I want God to be the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I close my eyes at night. If He's really the centre of my life like I claim, why is it that time with Him is often the first I let go of when I'm too busy or tired?

Friends, it's a simple idea, yet a hard concept to put into practise. But I believe as we give God the first of our days, He will be faithful to meet us throughout the rest of our day. He will mold our hearts to look more like His as we spend time in His presence. He will guide our steps and lead us into conversations where we have the opportunity to share about His grace and goodness. Surrender your morning to Him and let Him transform your mind, heart, and body as you go into your day with your eyes focused on Him.

Scripture:

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

Question to ponder:

• How has giving God my morning transformed the rest of my day?

Action step to take:

• What do I need to surrender to the Lord today?