The Transformative Power of Seeking God Early
As Christians, many of us desire to live a life that honors God and reflects His presence. One key to this is developing a consistent habit of seeking Him early. This isn’t just about waking up early, but prioritizing time with God as the first and most significant part of our day. Here, we delve into how the Bible highlights the importance of this practice and how it can transform our lives.
“Seek First the Kingdom of God”
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
This verse underscores a fundamental principle of Christian living: putting God above all else. When we choose to prioritize His kingdom and righteousness, we set the stage for His blessings to flow into every area of our lives.
“Early Will I Seek You”
The psalmist declares in Psalm 63:1:
“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”
This heartfelt cry demonstrates the deep longing to connect with God. Seeking Him early symbolizes placing Him at the forefront of our hearts and minds, recognizing our dependence on Him for spiritual nourishment.
The Example of Jesus
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus modeling the importance of seeking the Father. In Mark 1:35, it says:
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Jesus, the Son of God, made time to pray and seek the Father early in the day, even amidst a busy ministry schedule. His example reminds us that no matter how demanding life gets, prioritizing communion with God is essential.
Why Seek God Early?
1. Aligns Our Hearts with His Will
When we begin our day with God, we invite Him to guide our steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Starting our day with prayer and Scripture positions us to walk in alignment with His will.
2. Strengthens Us for the Day Ahead
In Isaiah 40:31, we are reminded of the renewing power of waiting on the Lord:
“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Spending time with God early equips us with the strength and grace needed to face life’s challenges.
3. Sets a Foundation of Peace
Philippians 4:6-7 teaches:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Early devotion fills our hearts with His peace, allowing us to navigate the day with confidence and calmness.
Practical Steps to Start Seeking God Early
- Set a Specific Time Decide on a realistic time to meet with God each morning. Remember, consistency is key.
- Create a Dedicated Space Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus without distractions.
- Use a Devotional Plan Having a structured plan for prayer and Bible reading helps keep your time purposeful. You could focus on a specific book of the Bible, like Psalms or John.
- Start with Worship Begin by praising God for who He is and what He’s done. Psalm 100:4 reminds us:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
- Be Patient and Persistent If it feels difficult at first, don’t give up. Building a habit takes time, but the rewards are eternal.
Conclusion
Seeking God early transforms not only our days but our entire lives. It deepens our relationship with Him, equips us for challenges, and fills us with His peace and joy. As we embrace this practice, let’s remember the words of Lamentations 3:22-23:
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
May we commit to seeking Him first each day and experience the abundant life He has promised. Let’s start today—early!
