I have had my devotional time in the evening while I was in school, over breakfast during college, at lunch when I was working full time, during my kids’ naps, and quite recently I have finally started having a more consistent time first thing in the morning.  This is tough for me… I am not a morning person.  I really would prefer to stay up ridiculously late and sleep until life demands that I get out of my bed.  But I have definitely found that this is the most productive way to start my day.

I think for most of us, the early morning is the best time – and Jesus actually set us that example by stealing away in the early hours to pray to the Father!  If you are like me and mornings are difficult for you, here are my practical tips that help me on my hardest days.

*When I’m laying in bed trying to rationalize that I could sleep a few more minutes, the verse that helps me get on my feet is “better is one day in your house than thousands elsewhere.”  That includes even my soft and cozy bed!

*I set the coffee pot to automatically come on 15 minutes before the alarm. ;)  Knowing there is a cup of hot coffee waiting for me makes that first step out of our cozy bed more appealing!

*I don’t do anything else – cleaning up leftover dishes, brushing my teeth, changing clothes… I just put on a robe and slippers, wrap a blanket around myself, and sit in the silence with the King.  If I do something else first I tend to get sidetracked.

*I keep the lights low, but not low enough that I fall asleep. ;)  I turn on the light on our piano and a wall sconce rather than the overhead light – it makes the morning less abrasive!

*I love to light a nice scented candle while I’m praying and studying – it puts me in a frame of mind that this is a special time for just me and the Lord.

And you know what?  There are weeks that I am miserably undisciplined.  I miss this morning time because I stay up too late, sleep through the alarm, etc.  On those days I do my best to find some time during my kids’ nap/rest-time… but I definitely miss starting my morning in His presence.

If you’re struggling with this, tell Him.  Tell Him that you just cannot do it in your own strength.  Ask for help, and then get up the next day and try again.  Don’t beat yourself up and decide that you’ll never get this right – God is gracious, and His mercies are new every morning! :)

It’s a fresh year- perfect time for a fresh start!

If you haven’t read Brooke’s post yet, please do so now… you will be blessed and encouraged by her honesty and helpful insights.

*Don’t forget that we’d love to hear from you during this series! Of course comments are ALWAYS enthusiastically welcomed, and on Friday there will be a Linky for you to share your own posts about your fresh commitments in your spiritual walk for this fresh new year! We hope to hear from you! :)