Proverbs Day 8

Proverbs 8:34 ~

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning,

(The Message)

There are times when I struggle with my morning time with the Lord. Frequently, in fact, because I am NOT a morning person. Many times, my spirit is more awake and thoughts creative in the late night hours. Consequently, this makes for a difficult time waking up early in the morning and spending the best quality time with the Lord at the beginning of the day.

I discipline myself to start my day in the Word, however, no matter how I'm feeling, because I know that a morning without the wisdom from God's word, is a day missing adequate resources to tackle the day's challenges. I may be able to go deeper and further in the evening when it's my more mentally productive time, but I will not miss my mornings seeking guidance and fuel for the day. It's just too critical to my life.

God understands and knows that I'm not at my best in the morning. After all, He made me a natural night owl for some reason. The important key to remember is to seek Him in the beginning of your day and allow Him access to your heart and mind. His grace covers our shortcomings and overlooks our imperfect ways. There is no certain formula you have to follow in your morning devotions. Just that you acknowledge His sovereignty and rulership in your life, is enough to get the day started on the right foot. It puts you in the frame of mind to hear His voice and sense His prompting for whatever comes that day.

Don't let perfectionism keep you away from the blessings of God. Imperfect, limited time with God is still better than time that doesn't happen at all because you know you can't do it perfectly. Just because you might hear Suzie So and So talk about the two hours she spends in the word, followed by an hour of fervent prayer, doesn't mean you have to do that every day, too. Some days, Lord willing, that will happen and you will be richer for it. But if you start treating this time as performance that's being judged, you've already lost the point.

He's not watching the clock. He just wants you to be present and focused when you're with Him and have ears to hear. He's so gracious to customize His approach to us according to the personality He created us to have. Your experience will not be like everyone else's and that doesn't make yours right or wrong. You just need to be having an experience.

Give God your first attention of the day, even if you're not quite a burst of sunshine in the morning, and watch Him surprise you with favor and blessings!