In the Morning When I Rise Give Me Jesus

     For a number of years now the Lord has been waking me most mornings before my alarm so I can spend some time with Him. Being hard headed, and often thinking I know it all, it took me awhile to realize that's what He was doing. I'd get aggrivated and frustrated that I was wide awake more than an hour before my alarm was set to go off, and I couldn't go back to sleep. This went on for over a month before it dawned on me that maybe I should be using that time for prayer instead of struggling to get prayer in at other times during my day. 

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      Now, to be fair, I had just come out of a season of life where I had babies and toddlers and didn't get a lot of sleep or alone time so I had been using shower time for prayer mostly. I had continued that, as well as adding my commute to work, but it never seemed to be ample time, and the Lord knew I had moved out of that season and needed to reevaluate things. I, on the other hand, took a little while to catch on. 
     Now, y'all know we learn, and then we grow. That's how all this works. We do the best we can until we know better, and when we know better, we do better. As I was changing seasons, I was growing in the Lord in so many ways. Reading my Bible more than ever, and giving up worldly things that were holding me back from growing in Him. Lots was happening, as God was moving me to the next level. He was trying to do even more in me and through me, but I was slow to the party. I didn't realize there was a direct correlation between how much time I spent with Him, and how much time I talked to Him, and how fast and far I would grow in Him. Although it was true I hadn't been a "baby Christian" in some time, I wasn't that mature Christian He was pushing me to be either, well not yet anyway. 

     When I started using that morning time for prayer I felt a shift. It was literally like everything changed, and that's because it did. There were mornings I'd wake up and say things like, "I'm tired today Lord, what's on your mind?" Let me tell you, He filled me up with His mind. I was amazed at how much clearer I could hear Him when I just listened in those early morning meetings. Sometimes our morning meets were longer, and sometimes they were shorter, but they were always worth my time because He was preparing me. He was preparing me for that day, and every day after that. He was preparing me for things I wouldn't know were coming for a long time, and for things I needed preparation for. Indeed He was guiding me, and because I was spending time with Him, I understood that.
     He gave me more patience with my children. He gave me more patience with my husband. He gave me love for the people who hurt me, and acceptance of myself and all my flaws. I bet y'all can guess, I was still completely imperfect, but I was listening more than ever to a God who was not. This changed my life. 

     If you're a Christian and you're reading this and you're not spending time in the secret place daily with the Lord, I implore you to do it. It's a game changer. If you're not a Christian, reach out to the Lord. He loves you were you are, but too much to leave you there, and if you don't know how to do that, reach out to me. I'd love to share the Gospel with you and answer any questions you may have. God doesn't promise us a life free of troubles, He just promises us that when we go through troubled waters, He'll be with us. So, in the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus. I wouldn't have it any other way.
     If you enjoyed this blog, please like it and share it on your social media. I'd love to hear how and when you spend time with the Lord. Leave me a message below and let me know. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to this time again tomorrow. 

XOXO
Jen