“Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NLT)
How do you start your day? Watching the news with your first cup of coffee? Most of us think this is the perfect way to start our day. And we never stop to consider why we are burdened for the rest of the day with the weight of the world. Countries facing famine and war; Soldiers killed, families distraught and hurting; Children abused; Mothers and fathers doing unthinkable things to their families.
For many years, I have refused to watch news casts on a daily basis. I keep up with current events by quick surveys of media headlines. Now, I do not suggest that you do the same. I am suggesting, however, that you consider the impact your morning routine has on your day, and perhaps your life. If joy comes in the morning, shouldn’t we reserve the morning for receiving the joy and rejoicing? Wonder how our day might change if we refused to allow any negative information into our minds until after lunch? Perhaps that is a little bit unrealistic but not much, I assure you.
An old song goes something like this, “I woke up this morning feeling fine. I woke up with heaven on my mind.”
When you awaken in the morning, what is whirling in your mind? Is it possible that the world can get along with out you until noon? Will your joy and peace of mind really unsettle the world that much? No, we cannot “make the world go away,” but we can get our slice of joy before we have to face it.
The birds sing so beautifully in the morning. Their singing is such sweet music. The squirrels and other small animals will inspire you with their antics. There is freshness and calmness in the morning that simply must be experienced first-hand in order to know its joy. Add your morning coffee and Scripture to that and you won’t have any trouble telling the world to wait until after lunch. You will cope more easily with those personal problems and know clearly what to do about the world’s problems.
Dear Father, thank you for the joy you bring each morning. Your mercies are new and fresh every day. Thank you for your faithfulness. Empower us with the joy that comes in the morning. Enable us to cope with the issues of life. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today with the joy of the morning,