Some days I just want to shut my eyes, plug my ears and hide. It seems like every day brings news of a new, terrible event. Natural disasters killing thousands, wars mutilating young and old, disease sucking the life out of people, hatred bubbling over, and the hearts of many—Christians included—waxing cold. I want to cry, “How long, Lord? How long?”
Other days I don’t want to end as I meet new people whom God is clearly wooing to a more intimate relationship with Himself. They hunger and thirst for more and more about Jesus, which is contagious. After talking with them, I feel like my feet don’t even touch the ground. What a thrill to share with others the glorious truths of the Bible!
What makes the difference between the great days and the terrible ones? It’s not how many bad news stories I hear. We know from Matthew 24 to expect these, for they are the “beginning of sorrows.” I have rediscovered the secret to a great day—a simple act I used to do years ago before I got “too busy” and stopped. The secret is morning communion with my Lord.
I’m not just talking about a devotional reading and quick prayer time. I mean asking God to awaken me early and pouring out my heart to Him so He can prepare me for the day ahead. For me, this takes from 45 minutes to an hour, and it includes time for me to listen to Him. What a pure joy!
“Not one moment can we be secure except we rely upon God, the life hidden with Christ. Watchfulness and prayer are the safeguards of purity” (Prophets and Kings, p. 83).
Yes, I have missed a day here and there as I have been rebuilding this habit, and I feel the lack right away as my attitude becomes easily affected by situations and circumstances.
Oh, but when I give up a little sleep for early quiet time with God, my heart flows with such confidence in Him that no matter what comes my way that day, I have a constant sense that He is in control, and I can trust Him.
“His (Jacob’s) victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded” (The Great Controversy, p. 621).
The difference in me is obvious to others, too. We don’t realize how transparent we are until someone around us sees our negative reactions or hears our sharp words. They know when we are resting confidently in Jesus’ hands or when we are going our own way.
I challenge you to ask God to awaken you early. Go to your place of prayer and commune with Him. Learn to sit at His feet. Be still and know He is God. Rejoice in His amazing love, and start your day prepared for the latter rain to fall. Let it rain!
