What are the first words you speak in the morning? Here’s a multiple choice quiz:
- Ugh. It’s morning again. I don’t feel like getting up.
- Help! I need coffee—now!
- My to-do list is a mile long; I don’t know where to begin. Why did morning have to come so soon?
- Good morning, Lord. This is the day You’ve made; I’ll rejoice and be glad in it.
I’ve said all of the above at some time or other, but I try hard to focus most on the last statement because my first words
make a huge impact on the rest of my day. If the first words from my mouth are negative, I trudge through my day with a negative outlook towards everything and everyone. If I speak positive words, however, my attitude reflects them. I look forward with anticipation to whatever experiences God will bring my way with confidence that He will equip me for them.
Perhaps the Psalmist discovered the same truth. In Psalm 59:16, he writes, “…I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (emphasis mine).
The psalmist chose his words intentionally. Let’s follow his example by refusing to let our emotions rule when we’re tempted to complain. Let’s choose instead to thank the Lord for the gift of a new day, for His presence with us, and for His unfailing love. Doing so changes us from the inside out, creating in us a thankful heart and a sense of joy no matter what.
Do you agree? Do you have a favorite phrase with which you greet the morning?
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