Open Your Bible: The Blessings of Starting Your Day in God’s Word
This morning it was extremely difficult to get out of bed. It’s freezing outside and my warm sheets are ever so inviting but I got up.
It’s hard but I know if I don’t use these precious few moments of quiet in the early hours of the day, I’ll be running ragged before the day even begins.
I’m a morning person by nature but these early years of motherhood have left my morning hours few and far inbetween. Late nights, multiple wake ups, midnight party animals (AKA young children) all keep me from restful sleep but I am determined to use my morning hours well.
Why?
Because I so desperately want to start the day in God’s Word.
I want to be filled up before I can pour out. I want to sit in His presence, reading His truths and promises. I want to offer up my daily gratitudes of how He has blessed me.
[clickToTweet tweet=”I want to be filled up before I can pour out. ” quote=”I want to be filled up before I can pour out.”]
I want to just be near Him.
Being a young mom means that sometimes it is so hard to have these consistent morning quiet times. In fact, I’ve shared before how my quiet times are anything but quiet, what I refer to as my “unquiet” times. It’s not required to be a good and faithful Christian you have to have a dedicated set morning time to pray and be in your Bible. In fact, there really aren’t any rules that say just what your devotional times should look like.
Except one… to just open your Bible and be in the Word sitting in the God’s presence.
For me, though, I crave those early hours. I know my personality and what my weary soul needs. I know that when I’m in God’s Word first in my day, the rest of my day follows suit. It doesn’t mean that I will have a perfect day with no issues (far from that actually) but rather it helps me see my day with a new perspective.
Being in God’s Word every single day, preferably the morning hours, is crucial for me. I need it. I crave it. I desire it. But sometimes it’s just plain hard.
“Mommy you are really grouchy today!”
Those words stung after they left my four-year old’s mouth. Not because they were hurtful but because they were true. I was being really grouchy.
Letting the events of the morning cloud my attitude, I went about my morning routine feeling bitter and entitled. I was tired and exhausted from being up in the middle of the night with a baby. I was frustrated that instead of waking up before my family so I could have some quiet time to prepare for the day (something this introverted Mama so desperately needs), I woke up to their demands and needs instead.
I didn’t even have time to have the warm and comforting sips of coffee grace my lips before I had to deal with temper-tantrums, breakfast needs, soiled diapers that needed to be changed and all the daily needs that needed to be met.
While I didn’t have the moments to be in God’s first thing in the morning that day, there were certainly moments where I could have stopped, opened my Bible and read for a short time. Enough to let me sit in His presence to regroup from the crazy morning. Instead, however, I kept right on pace, barking at my children.
Instead of letting the peace of God’s Word rule over my heart (Colossians 3:15), I let the distractions of the day eat away at my attitude and boy was I really grouchy that day!
Sound familiar? Do you have similar days too?
What if instead of just letting our grouchy moods and never ending to-do lists dictate our days, we just open our Bible and spend just a few moments letting God’s truths permeate our hearts?
[clickToTweet tweet=”What if instead of letting our grouchy moods & to-do lists dictate our days we open our Bible? ” quote=”What if instead of letting our grouchy moods & to-do lists dictate our days we open our Bible? “]
God’s word is powerful, good for teaching and for reproof and for training in righteousness (2Timothy 3:16). It’s the foundation to which we build our hearts and homes on (Matthew 7:24-27). It’s like the bread and manna that fell from the sky to the Israelites roaming the desert (Exodus 16:1-18).
Jesus tells us that He is the bread of life.
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for life of the world is my flesh. ~ John 6:48-51
God’s Word fills us up. His Word meets us where we are in our needs, our weakness, and our weariness and His provision then lifts us up. Just like the bread that fell from the sky, when we sit in His presence daily, taking in His Word as our own daily bread, we are fulfilled. He is our perfectly portioned manna for the day.
[clickToTweet tweet=”God’s Word fills us up. His Word meets us where we are and His provision lifts us up. ” quote=”God’s Word fills us up. His Word meets us where we are and His provision lifts us up. “]
So if I know and believe all of this, why would I not want to start my day in God’s Word?
What seems so natural and obvious gets put to the side by daily distractions and tasks that need to be done. My to-do list calls for my attention, my children need to be feed, and the laundry pile is getting scary tall.
But when we don’t open our Bible, we are missing out on all the benefits of God’s Word.
The unfolding of Your Words give light: it imparts understanding to the simple. ~ Psalm 119:130
I rise before dawn and cry for help: I hope in Your Words. ~ Psalm 119:147
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making the wise simple; the precepts of the LORD are right; rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. ~ Psalm 19: 7-11.
Perfect, sure (trustworthy), right, pure (radiant), clean (pure), true (reliable)… those are just a few of the characteristics of God’s Word. We can trust God’s Word because it’s whole, reliable, but most importantly because it’s about God.
It’s perfectly complete and completely fulfilled, thanks to Jesus!
For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12.
God’s Word is living
It is relevant yesterday, today and will be tomorrow!
The grass may wither and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God remains forever! ~ Isaiah 40:8
God’s Word is active
The Holy Spirit guides us to remember and understand truths of Scripture.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my way name, He will teach you all thing and bring you to remembrance all that I have said to you. ~ John 14:26
God’s Word fills us up
His Word meets our needs and provides for us, right where we are. It is true and it is enough, we just have to be obedient to be in it ourselves.
I may not have the time to sit with my Bible open and to journal all the goodness every single morning in deep Bible study but I do have the time to read His Words.
If I have the time to scroll through Facebook, I have the time to read His Words.
If I have the time to watch TV, I have the time to read His Words.
If I have the time to stay up late to finish the page turner I’m reading, I have the time to read His Words.
If I have the time to write a blog post, I have the time to read His Words.
There is always time to sit in His presence. The rewards are great, my heart changes, I’m able to love and serve my family well and a funny thing also happens… I have time to do all the things that feel pressing on my to-do list.
When I’m in God’s Word first, my day falls into place.
[clickToTweet tweet=”When I’m in God’s Word first, my day falls into place. ” quote=”When I’m in God’s Word first, my day falls into place.”]
I shared my one word of Wellness last week, which also includes Wellness of my heart.
Sitting in His presence, soaking up His Words and Truths, letting them guide my day and making my Bible time a priority is all based on my desire to be made well and complete this year.
My relationship with the Lord is the foundation for all of the other areas in my life. If I want to love my husband well, I must love God. If I want to be less grouchy with my kids, my heart must be built on the rock that is strong and firm, not the sand that will be blown away (Matt. 7:24-27). If I want my home to be a haven, that starts in my heart.
I pray I can encourage you to also be in the Word daily too.
In the coming weeks I’ll be sharing some practical resources and tools to help you be in the Word but for now let me share two of the easiest ways you can be in the Word daily, both available right on your phone! Even though there is no substitution for opening your physical Bible, I’m so thankful for online tools that help to make getting into the word easy and convenient.
She Reads Truth :: I’ve been doing the She Reads Truth for over a year now and I can honestly say my time in the Word has been so beneficial and insightful. I have grown so much more in my faith and understanding of the Promises. While the App does have a small fee and there are study books you could purchase, the daily readings and devotions are FREE on their website, you can even sign up to have them delivered straight to your inbox every single morning for free too!
First 5 :: This is a FREE app you can download on your phone which daily delivers a short Bible passage along with a short devotion based on Scripture and even further reading options to go deeper. There is an option to purchase a physical study book but all of the daily readings are free. You can even sync the App to your alarm clock so it’s the first thing you see on your phone in the morning (AKA before your check Facebook or answer emails).
Do you struggle to get in the Word every day? What are the distractions that get in the way and how do you overcome those?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Please share what has gotten in the way of your Bible reading and what has helped you overcome those so you can sit in His presence daily, soaking up the truths and promises found in His Word… if it’s only for a few quiet moments.
What a thought provoking and inspiring post! Thank you for this reminder. I love so many of you comments but this is my favorite. “God’s Word fills us up. His Word meets us where we are in our needs, our weakness, and our weariness and His provision then lifts us up.” I try to make it a point to get into the word as early as possible each morning so my mind is not distracted by other things that may take place.
This is my first visit to your site via grace & truth. I love what you are doing here. Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and yours in 2016!
Thanks so much for your comment!
I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness in this post. I have found what you say is true – more than true – it is life changing. I refuse to let my eyes set on any other word (newspaper, book or even computer) until I set myself in front of Him: “Good morning, Sir! What do You want me to know today? What do You want to talk about? Lord, here I am, ready to learn and receive.”
A teachable spirit is the first tool necessary for Bible Study. You’ve shown that and I am encouraged. Blessings, Christ writing from a yielded heart at http://www.christinemalkemes.com
p.s. coming to you from the Loft
Thanks so much for sharing that Christine, I love your approach to your days! 🙂
Hi Victoria,
What a terrific post. I am following you from Titus 2 Tuesdays. I also offer a linkup called Word of God Speak. The only posts allowed are those about your relationship with God. I too believe in quiet times and studying His Word. But I give you lots of credit doing this while you have young children. I am not as faithful when I visit my grandkids. I’m exhausted!
But I did choose to wake up early. I asked God to wake me up and I haven’t used an alarm for 14 years. I also did not come to a strong faith until 2001 – no little ones around at that time. We do have 7 grandchildren though.
Great to meet you. I signed up for your newsletter as I don’t want to lose touch with someone so much like me but younger.
Janis
Thanks for sharing this Janis, so glad you are here. Even though I do love and cherish these little years, I do look forward to the day when I too can wake up on my early for the day 😉 And I’d give yourself grace when you visit your own grandkids. If you are anything like my kid’s grandmothers, my kids love spending all the time with them and definitely wear them out too. But it’s such a special relationship. Blessings to you!
Oh yes, I know that if I don’t have that time with God and His word in the morning, I start off on the wrong foot. Thank you so much for the reminder and encouragement.
Yep, I’m a big ‘ol grouch too! 🙂
Yes, I also crave the quiet of the early morning to spend time with the Lord and to focus on my health before my family is up and about. Thank you for sharing the importance of putting the Lord first and what helps you!
Focusing on own health and spiritual well being is so important for both us and our family 🙂
I am a first time mom of a newborn (exclusive pumper, too), so I treasure my time well and make sure that every minute counts! Reading this has really reminded me to set my priorities straight. God is always first. I’ve forgotten that it is God that brings food to the table, rest and healing to my body and soul, and makes all things beautiful! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Congrats on your new little one! I was a nurser and pumper for all three of mine too so I remember vividly those early morning hours holding my Kindle or phone with the Bible app open because I couldn’t balance nursing my baby with my actual Bible open! While I do have to be careful not to overdue it with technology, I’m so glad we have those tools to make getting into the Word easier, especially when our hands are full… literally! 🙂
There is nothing like the quiet time with the Lord, especially in the morning. This season of your life may require some adjustments. Remember the Lord is with you always. Maybe you have to steal some moments here and there as they present themselves to be with the Lord. He knows you are doing your best.
Thank you for your sweet, encouraging words Mary! 🙂
Victoria, this is such a good reminder for me. I love the First5 app and it has been such a life saver for me, reminding me to jump into God’s word early in the morning. I even use it for devotionals at the breakfast table with my kids. I also love the point you made about how having time for FB, reading, etc, also means we have more than enough time for the Word. You’re spot on!
I love the idea of reading the First5 devotion over breakfast with your kids! My oldest is 4 so I have been looking for some quick, easy morning devotional ideas and this seems so obvious. Thanks for the idea!
Lovely encouragement, starting with God is so important! I have heard a lot about She Reads Truth but never looked into,..I might take a look today!
I really love She Reads Truth, it is rooted heavily in Scripture, which is so important.
This hits so close to home, as I’m sure it does for many moms of littles. My mood and attitude most definitely reflect my quiet time… or lack thereof. This is a great reminder for me not to neglect that time.
I know it seems so obvious, but when I do spend time in God’s Word I’m always so amazed at how much my mood is improved.
Thanks for these encouraging words. I share your same heart towards starting the day with scripture. (I’m also writing about it on my blog this January and have been so motivated and encouraged.) Yes, God’s Word is powerful and active and it fills us up and gets us ready for the day ahead. Pinning this now. 🙂
Thanks for sharing Betsy!
I find that when I start my day with God it seems things flow better. The day isn’t easier but my attitude sure is more focused and I seem to see the cup as half full. Great post!
So true! We aren’t guaranteed “easy” days but our whole hearts and attitudes change how we approach our days.
Such beautiful truth, Victoria. I have always read my Bible, but until 10 years ago it was more because I was supposed to than because I loved it. Then crisis sent me to the Word and I have craved my time with Him every day since. The crisis was so painful, but the blessing of falling in love with the Word . . . so good.
Thanks for sharing that Deb!
hello, the blab link will not open..
is it just me !?
Sorry, I just saw this. Were you able to get it open Lisa? Try this link https://blab.im/CreativeHomeKPR or this one https://blab.im/n10tionalgrace.
So true! I have found that if I don’t start the day with the Bible, I almost never will find any time during the day to 🙁 The “cares of life” certainly are distracting! Sharing this on my FB page as I just wrote about struggling to find time with the Lord. I am sure my friends will like this too!
Thanks so much Serene! 🙂
Thank you for this post!