I’m no early morning girl, in fact, if I were the one who created the world the sun would never rise before 8 a.m. Years ago, when the kids were younger I got up long before the sun on a regular basis, and spent quiet time with the Lord. Honestly, at that stage of my life, it was early or never. As the kids got older, life got busier and nights got later and my early morning time got later and shorter. Amazingly, my peace and joy shrank in direct proportion to the time decrease. Then one day, I got “the email” asking me to review a book called “Early to Rise,” this great little treatise on the value of rising early led me to read further, which convicted me that the first part of the day could really be the best part of the day. So, I pulled on my big girl pants and set the alarm for 5 a.m. What a difference an hour makes!
Keys to Finding Your Secret Place
- I have everything ready the night before: coffee set, cup out, Bible
and other study tools and a notebook handy. Be sure to set your alarm.
• Pick a quiet comfy spot free of distractions.
- For the first 15 minutes I just sit and still myself and try not to let me mind run down my chore list for the day. Then I thank Him for all the great things in my life. My family, home, ministry, car, everything I can think of, nothing is too small to be grateful for! This helps to minimize problems and it maximizes joy and gratitude.
- I read my Scriptures for that day, a Proverb, a through the Bible schedule, or whatever I want to study.
- I journal what God is showing me as I read.
- Next, I have a confession list of what I believe God wants in my life with the Scriptures to back it up that I speak out loud each day.
- (example) God has great plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Lastly, I make any requests I might have and thank Him for hearing me.
If I can do it, so can you. I promise it will change your life.
scourtneylawson 