Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Start The Day Right

Friday Morning
Friday Morning

I try to start every day with a few minutes of scripture reading and quiet time. It doesn't always happen, but when it does, my day goes so much better. I want to encourage you to find at least 10 minutes to quiet your mind and commune with God before you get on your daily hamster wheel. :)

When I'm having a hard time focusing for one reason or another I like to read in Psalms. I don't recommend The Message for serious Bible study, but I love to just sit down with it to read. Here is Psalm 32 from the Message to encourage you:

Psalm 32
A David Psalm
1 Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start,
your slate's wiped clean.

2 Count yourself lucky—
God holds nothing against you
and you're holding nothing back from him.

3 When I kept it all inside,
my bones turned to powder,
my words became daylong groans.

4 The pressure never let up;
all the juices of my life dried up.

5 Then I let it all out;
I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God."
Suddenly the pressure was gone—
my guilt dissolved,
my sin disappeared.

6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we'll be on high ground, untouched.

7 God's my island hideaway,
keeps danger far from the shore,
throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

8 Let me give you some good advice;
I'm looking you in the eye
and giving it to you straight:

9 "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule
that needs bit and bridle
to stay on track."

10 God-defiers are always in trouble;
God-affirmers find themselves loved
every time they turn around.

11 Celebrate God.
Sing together—everyone!
All you honest hearts, raise the roof!

19 comments:

~Tessa~Scoffs said...

Exactly what I needed this morning! Thank you for sharing.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Great post! :) I have been AWFUL about staying awake too late and not waking up at my normal time. Need to remedy that...I DO feel better when I have my quiet time in the morning. :)

Penny said...

Incredible post...puts things into perspective doesn't it?

Leila said...

It's interesting to read a psalm in that kind of language-- not what I'm used to, but food for thought! Thanks!

notjustlaura said...

I really liked:

9 "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule
that needs bit and bridle
to stay on track."

Thanks for sharing :)

LivnLghnLvnMyLfe said...

I needed this sooo much!!! Thanks you for sharing!

Terri said...

I agree. My day goes so much better when I begin with scripture reading and prayer.

Noel said...

this would be such a great way to start the day. it just brings peace to my soul.

rachel said...

great post, thankyou!!
i have just started having a proper, intentional quiet time again each morning - it's early days but i am feeling so blessed by it!

~Bobbi~ said...

Thanks for the scripture! You are such a photographer!

ChaChaneen said...

Beautiful post today! Have a great day.

Livin' in the Sonshine said...

Thanks for the encouraging words!

Julie said...

What a great post! Love the scriptures..;)

american girl primitives said...

Well said, I agree with you. I need to do this more often.

Carey

Laura said...

I needed to hear this wise suggestion.

Thank you-

Laura

Zitlife said...

Great post!!! Thanks for the sharing!

deniselb said...

Wonderful post! I couldn't agree more with the importance of having that daily time to connect with God through prayer, his Word and just being quiet before Him.

We have a pastor at our church that stresses the importance of this daily time with the Lord: It's like taking a shower. Miss one day, no one really knows except you. But miss two or three days and others surely know, too!

littlemarkiesmom said...

Great post... so what I need to be doing right now.
Come check out my blog. I'm doing a little giveaway. :)

Kim @ Through My back door window said...

Thank you. Just read this today and really needed teh reminders this brings.
Love your blog!