Lately it seems I’ve been waking up far too early for my liking.
In the early morning hours it can be a mite lonely, and the funny thing is I’ve never been an early riser. This morning my eyes opened before the sun came up, this time in part to my wife’s cell phone receiving a pre-sun up text. Boom! That was it. My brain roared to life and it seemed hopeless to resume sleep. I quickly decided it was time for a cream cheese bagel and coffee, and as I pleasantly discovered, a pre-dawn word from the Lord who thankfully never sleeps and always seems to know what I need and when.
The older I get, I find that my thoughts collide in what can only be described as ‘male mental-pause’. Yes I believe there is such a thing! Do you ever find yourself fussing over that to which you have little control? In life we would all prefer a glassy lake covered in mist as opposed to a choppy white-capped surface fueled by fear and concerns instead of the wind.
Our daily existence as you well know is not always calm water and light summer breezes. Life can beat us down and leave our faith taxed. We may feel afraid and discouraged, perhaps even angry at the Lord for not stepping in sooner. But I’ve learned it’s in those moments that God reminds us that we are not alone in our afflictions, that our Lord and Savior is with us for the duration.
This morning as I sipped my black dark roast coffee, yes black, I opened the bible app on my phone to check the verse of the day. I don’t always find it applies to my current situation or needs, but this morning’s verse was a ‘Kaboom!’ moment, instantly calming my worried mind. The scripture is this: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”(Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT). This simple verse is packed with wholesome goodness!
I love when God surprises me with a warm chocolate brownie. I felt a sudden wash of relief, that in life’s uncertainty, my Heavenly Father will be personally out front, that no matter what obstacles lie ahead; I need not fear. And the best part is He promises to never leave me alone, never leave you alone; never fail me nor abandon me, never fail you nor abandon you! Stop and ponder that truth for a moment! That’s a whole tray of brownies dripping with fudge icing!
My friend, claim this verse for whatever it is you’re going through right now. If you’re afraid and discouraged, look ahead of you and see Jesus making a path. If you feel alone, take heart! He is with you. Do you realize that in God’s eyes you matter to Him? You’re a cherished treasure to our Lord!
This biblical truth is such wonderful news for a soul that craves nourishment and a heart that pines for encouragement.Deuteronomy 31:8 is a keeper for me, and if I wake up again early tomorrow morning, I’ll rivet God’s word to my heart and allow Him to go on ahead.
Next time you wake up early or just need a boost to keep going, take a moment to first soak up God’s word. Then go enjoy that tray of brownies! I will be!
Paul Smyth