Early Will I Seek You (Well, That's My Goal)

Early. I am not a fan of the word. Early reminds me of sleep lost and the slow waking hours when I am trying to fight off the demands of the day ahead. Early is not my best time and it is not popular with me; why do things early when mid-morning will do just fine?

Some people like early. My wife has gotten up early everyday for our entire married life. I write this annoying habit off because she grew up in Kansas and some how I associate her growing up with the sun rising, birds chirruping, and someone outside singing "O what a beautiful morning". Early works for her, not for me. However, what about spending time with God? The Scriptures are full of people who started their day early-, with God. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and as we all know, Jesus. Well, I tell myself theses were exceptional people who were called by God. The I remember we are all called by God and there goes my excuse.

So let me take another look at this early thing. With remarkable frequency the Scriptures remind us that many called by God rose early to spend time with him. It seems they did this so they would not be burdened by the cares of the day. Instead they could start their day focused on the one who gives each day as a gift. These people would rise early (there is that word again), and put aside all worry, all impurity, all of their anxieties and distractions and spend time with the only one capable of setting them free. In God's presence they would refit their minds and refocus their hearts on the one true living God. They would use this time to remind themselves that their first thoughts and their first words belong to the giver of life and sustainer of all things. In the early hours the day would begin, not as a burden, but as a blessing.

This early thing has been an on-going learning experience for me, demonstrated by my wife on a daily basis. I see her, not trying to fit God into her busy day, but building her day around him, and I am humbled by her example. Yes I admit that when I see this my first thoughts are usually selfish ones and I thank God for placing her in my life. Then I move to wanting to mirror her desire to spend time with God and practice seeking him early, well maybe not as early as she does, but early. Over the course of time I have found that it works. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord. you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you. and wait in expectation." 


"In the morning" which I guess means early morning. I must admit, I am still not a fan of the word early, but I am learning that it has its place. So tomorrow give early a chance and give yourself a chance to refit you mind on the wonders of our God and refocus your hearts on his amazing love, you maybe surprised with the results.

RefRev