Priorities...

For the past few days I’ve noticed that by the time the boys wake up I am in a bad mood. Even though I have taken my morning walk and prayed before they are up, I can see that I am not enjoying my time with Him like I used to. What’s wrong? What has stolen the joy of my mornings of prayer, Bible study and meditation?

But as I reflected on this today, I realized that I was first reading the news, then checking my texts and emails on my iPhone, and then spent time reading the Bible and praying.  But when I reversed the order and turned off the iPhone and computer, put the paper down and read the Word,  prayed and meditated first, it set the right “mood” for the whole day— I was at peace.

There’s just too much information in the paper and the internet out there and it taxes my little brain—-I cannot take it all in.   If I begin by filling my mind with all the news (most of it bad/sad) and then press on top of that the demands to answer texts, emails or phone calls, I leave no room for the best—-the Word and very voice of God.  So today I read the Word first, then I prayed and took time to consider what I had read and prayed about, and guess what? I felt better and responded to emails, the depressing news and the overnight texts with a better heart. Imagine that…

Jesus prayed early in the morning, as well as all night, and he prayed both before and after the great events of his life, and he prayed when life was unusually busy.  He did not let events or surprises take His focus off the One who knows no surprises and is able to move mountains for those that love Him and seek Him.

Consider how the Psalmist discussed the proper time for prayer and meditating upon His Word:

Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your loyal love! Then we will shout for joy and be happy all our days!

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you, and I wait.

Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 57:7-10 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Warmly,

Dean Barley

1945 Vineyard Road

Westfield, NC 27053

336 351 2070

www.vineyardcamp.com