For years, people recommended to me that I should read my Bible everyday first thing in the morning, and for years, I thought that it didn’t matter when I read it as long as I read it some time during the day. I would usually find time to read it during lunch. Eventually, I realized that the problem was that I was waiting until after my day was half over before I sat down and read my Bible. I would pray during my commute, but I wasn’t fueling myself with the Word of God first thing in the morning. It wasn’t exactly the best way to start my day. The Bible itself tells us just how important the Word of God is.
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1, NLT)
When I began my (long) career transition out of the library field, my schedule suddenly changed. I no longer had to be up at five every morning when my brain was barely operational. I began to read my Bible before I left for work each morning even if my brain wasn’t quite grasping everything at the early hour, and then I would read more during my lunch as a refresher. It was more helpful than before, but I had begun to recognize that I needed more than a few minutes each morning with God’s Word.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)
During the pandemic, I watched videos from a church pastor in Nashville that encouraged people to have their first cup of coffee with the Lord each morning, and this struck a chord with me. Each morning, I began to get up, prepare my coffee, and sit down with my Bible and devotional book to read. Drinking a morning coffee became a sacred time for me each morning that started my day off with the Lord. It’s a habit that I’ve continued to cultivate.
Since I write multiple faith-based blog posts each week, I now prefer to spend extra time in the morning reading my Bible. The extra time with the Lord helps me to prepare for writing what God would have me write each week. Even if I’m only writing about changing careers, I want to write something informative and helpful, and my early morning Bible study gets me in the right frame of mind.
If you are still working for someone else, I encourage you to set aside time each morning for you to be alone with the Lord. That might mean waking up earlier than you are accustomed, or it might mean sheltering for few moments in your bathroom with your Bible. (We do what we have to do.) Read your Bible and pray because the Lord is there with you, and you will feel strengthened for your daily activities. If it’s a particularly rough day, don’t be afraid to call upon the Lord all day long. Keep your favorite Bible app open on your phone or computer for a quick refreshing when you need it. Feast on the Word of God to help you through the day.
If you work for yourself or work from home, I encourage you to do the same. One of the blessings of working for yourself is that you can set your schedule so be certain to make God an important part of that daily schedule first thing when you wake. Grab that cup of coffee (or tea or soda or water), and enjoy some one-on-one time with God. You won’t regret giving the Lord your time, and you may even find answers for a difficulty you face that day. We make time for what matters the most to us so ask yourself how much God means to you according to the time you give Him each day.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105, NLT)
All Things Subject to Change 