Proverbs 8:17b “…those that seek Me early shall find Me.”

As I get older, I’m starting to appreciate slow mornings. There is something so comforting about easing into my day with the Lord without feeling rushed or frantically trying to get myself ready for the day. I’ve realized that a major key to enjoying these type of mornings is to build a solid night routine. Granted, I’m not always able to sustain seven hours of sleep, the goal is to create micro habits at night that will support my desire of slower mornings. Now, the joy isn’t solely about not rushing through my morning but how I spend it. Lessening my screen time when I arise as well as not having caffeine at least three hours before waking helps my nervous system function better as I prepare myself for the day.

Studies show that running to grab a cup of joe or cellular device minutes into starting our day increases anxiety and brain fog. So for me, slower mornings looks like choosing to read my physical Bible and not the Bible app as soon as I wake up. It looks like not having coffee until at least two hours of me being awake. It also looks like me sharing my gratitude to God for Him waking me up and praying for His Spirit to guide me throughout the day. Being able to cook a balanced breakfast, clean up, and possibly work on some personal projects before clocking in to work would all be ideal for me.

Not only is it ideal but, it glorifies God. When we intentionally prepare ourselves for the day it allows God to speak into our day. Oftentimes, when we rush we are not open to hear what God has to say because we are just trying to make it out the door on time. Our stress increases, patience is shortened, and anxiety is heightened. I have experienced this on several occasions and felt convicted. What if I passed up an opportunity to witness to someone because I was so focused on myself and where I had to be that morning? There are always opportunities to evangelize to others and one example is how we show up from day to day. Perhaps, a coworker notices how you are always early for work and seem at ease. That’s an opportunity to share how you day around Gcd. When someone sees the results of us waking up early to fellowship with God it can significantly shape their perception of God as well as give hope that what He has done for us can be done for them! God has no respect a person and His desire is that all would be saved and dined eternity with Him.

Understand that this is not just about stewarding our time well but realizing that our days, our time, and our life should not be self-focused. There is a greater purpose as to why God instructs us to live a certain way. Yes, it will yield personal benefits but ultimately it’s to glorify Christ and live by His example. As much as I enjoy a slow morning, my witness to others has to mean much more. So, take time to evaluate how you have been managing your time. Sit with God and allow Him to show you how to create better habits for a more grounded routine and deeper relationship with Him. Remember, being intentional with our time isn’t just about our witness to others or our own personal comfort. It gravely impacts and affects how we grow in our relationship with God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to live our lives in peace and true freedom. I pray that we don’t take this privilege for granted and learn to live intentionally for Your glory in Jesus Name, amen.