“What are your thoughts and actions first thing in the morning?”
Do you hit the snooze button on your alarm ten times, grab your phone, and start to catch up on social media or scroll through your emails?
Do you find yourself feeling stressed about all the “to-dos on your mental list for the day?
The problem with feeling the need to check all those emails, texts, and social media feeds first thing in the morning is that you are prioritizing other people’s demands, thoughts, and opinions over what matters to you and anything God might want to reveal first thing in the day to you.
You’ve started your day reactive, rather than proactive because whatever news, or information you receive will start to colour how your day is going to be. That information has taken over your thoughts and if left unchecked in your thinking, can easily distract you from what’s important.
But what if you delayed (and ultimately limited yourself) doing all those things and instead shifted your attention and focused on saying a small prayer, opening God’s Word to read a few verses, and choosing to think a thought of gratitude for the day ahead? The daily practice of gratitude, studies have revealed will improve your mental and physical health.
The Bible says, “As you think so shall you be” and starting your day well has been shown to have a domino effect on how you will continue to think throughout the day. (Proverbs 23:7)
If you realise you need to make some changes, ask for God's wisdom and determination to adjust some things about you and start to see and think about what He says about your life (the bible is a great place to find that out – Jeremiah 29:11).
It’s a small change to make in your morning routine but if you begin to be more mindful of the first things you think about as you begin the day, you will approach your day and see the results as you start to bounce out of bed in the morning :)
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)
”And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)
For more encouragement, you can also listen to my podcast "Going Deeper". Check out this week's episode "Remember" live now
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all I have and everything you do in my life. Please help me to start the day well and to see the way forward if I need to make some changes to my morning routine. Please help me to remember that even when I may be facing challenges, I can trust you and that you are working all things together for my good. In Jesus' name Amen.