Reflections: Early is a good thing

Some people are “morning people;” they awaken with the dawn, as opposed to “night owls” who seem to get a second wind late in the evening. And quite often, the two types marry each other. 

I wake up as the faintest traces of light appear, with some help from my cat who likes to be fed at that time. I look forward to standard time returning so I don’t have to get up in the dark, and am one of many who believe there are health benefits to it, but even when it is dark, my rhythms tend toward early. My morning routine, along with making coffee, taking vitamins and setting out a few things my later-rising spouse will need, includes heading outdoors to water plants and check the birdbaths as the sun rises—maybe tossing in a load of laundry on the way. I love when the weather allows having windows open so I can wake up with the birds, which helps me remember that God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23) and that as He cares for the sparrows, He can handle my day as well. 

Meanwhile, my husband is trying to snatch a few more z-z-z-z-z’s after staying up late to finish a project, then trying to figure out what day it is and what planet he’s on, so he can get organized for the day’s responsibilities.  

Even with our different tendencies, though, one thing we both look forward to is our morning devotional time. He finally becomes fully awake as he opens his Bible app to read, study and spend time in prayer before tackling the day. I, on the other hand, see all kinds of things I could get done before 7 a.m. and have had to develop a routine to bypass those distractions and take my coffee to the porch or to my comfy chair by the window where I open my print Bible and my own study app and journal. What we’ve both learned is that taking time to seek the Lord and study his Word sets the tone for the rest of the day, giving perspective for whatever challenges arise. 

I think we’re in good company. Many Psalms speak of seeking God early in the day: “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3) is just one of my many favorites. Abraham and Moses rose early to proceed with obeying God’s commands, even when they didn’t know the outcome; and Ezra began early in the morning as he read God’s Law to the returning Jewish exiles. Perhaps our greatest example is Jesus, who after a busy day of ministry, got up early the next morning and went to a quiet place to pray (Mark 1:35). 

Rising early can imply eagerness—often for something pleasant such as leaving on vacation or a fun outing with the grandkids. Other times, though, it’s less about eagerness and more about obedience, as I embrace hearing from God and allowing his Word to shape my thoughts before starting a more demanding day.

Some people’s daily work involves irregular hours or night shifts, keeping us safe and healthy by serving in the military, law enforcement, or a medical profession, so their quiet time may not align with the rising of the sun. Even when that’s not possible, though, making time with God a priority in our daily routine helps keep our focus where it needs to be—on Him. But if your schedule allows, try getting up early, to let the rising sun and singing birds help remind you that God is faithful.