“And Moses wrote the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar.” (Exodus 24:4) I am convinced that to grow I must seek the Lord. I need His Word each day. To daily spend time with God is a very important and attainable goal.

Jesus set an example for us. “He got up early, a great while before daybreak. He went to a solitary place and prayed.” (Mark 1:35) He was the perfect, sinless Son of God, yet He delighted to commune with His Father in the morning.

The women traveled to the tomb very early in the morning. They were distraught and sad over the events of the past days. (Matthew 28:1-11)

What are my thoughts when I awaken? Thankfulness to the Lord for His blessings or anxiety about the day? To sigh about the day and to think of all that needs to be done is my/our natural tendency.

The Bible begins with, “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) I want to turn my thoughts to God when I awaken. I need to begin my day with Him. To be strengthened in His love and praise Him for all He has done for me is a huge encouragement.

Jesus blesses and brightens my mornings, for “Jesus is the bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) He is also the “Sun of righteousness.” (Malachi 4:2), shining throughout my day. He will help and strengthen me. Jesus wants our heart’s deepest love and adoration. It all begins in the morning. Seek Jesus early.

The women who came to the tomb that morning were worried and fearful about that heavy, huge stone at the entrance of the tomb. It most likely weighed a couple of tons. How could they roll it away? God took care of that stone by sending an earthquake and angels. When the women saw the empty tomb and the shining angels, they reverted to fear and worry.

What do I do with all my fears and worries? It is such a comfort to hold on to the precious promises in God’s Word. “I will never leave you or forsake you. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Truly, Jesus wants me to give Him my fears and troubles. He will calm my heart even as the

angel calmed the fears of the women with the kind words, “Don’t be afraid; ye seek Jesus…He is risen!” (Matthew 28:5-6)

Believe the Words of God. Believe that He cares. Believe that He provides. You will find rest for your soul. There is such a blessing to be had when I seek Him in the morning. Why not specifically pray that God would give you energy and alertness for the day. There is more gold than the sunrise, there is gold in the morning!

In the Service of Christ, Pastor Wayne Hall