How do you begin your day? Do you first spend a few minutes intentionally praying about things or do you just pop out of bed ready to start your day? I have to admit that for many years that second way was my usual routine. I would wake up and immediately my to do list filled my mind. It felt like I was behind before I even started my day, So, I would jump out of bed rushing into my day and all the tasks that awaited me. I might or might not take a moment to pray, definitely I didn’t take time to center myself in God. I just assumed that God would be with me, I would fit in some devotions somewhere, and all was good, Then one day, at a retreat, I was asked that question, “How do you begin your day?” When it came to my turn to share I felt a little ashamed at my response. Then the presenter said, “No matter how busy you think you might be, you have time for a minute with God.” She gave us a list of some Bible verses and said, “Pick one, memorize it and use it to start your day. Say it and then pause for just a few seconds and let those words comfort you and focus you for the day to come.”

Psalm 118:24 became my morning verse, I start most mornings with it. Yes, I still occasionally forget but usually, before I ever get out of bed, I recite this verse. It grounds me in God’s love and grace because who knows what the day might bring. And when I have had those challenging days, and we all have them, my mind goes back to this verse, I speak it again and again in my mind, It reminds me that God made this day and no matter what I need to rejoice that I am here, there are blessings to experience and so be glad.

Recently, I was having one of those kind of days. My wife was dealing with significant health issues, our youngest daughter was going through a crisis time in her life, and the list of things I needed to attend to was long. I was feeling overwhelmed and was feeling very discouraged. Then this verse popped into my head. It caused me to stop focusing on all I was dealing with and turn to thinking about the blessings I had experienced that day. A list quickly came to mind. A sales person going the second mile in helping me, a funny text from my sister to let me know she cared, a beautiful morning to enjoy when walking to dog. There was much to remind me that God was with me and I could rejoice and be glad.

That brief moment of renewal didn’t make all the stresses go away but it did change me, It caused me to no longer feel overwhelmed but at peace knowing that God’s help and presence was with me and those I love.

So again, “How do you start your day?” Focus on God’s blessings and presence for just a moment and then no matter what the day brings you will be able to celebrate life and be glad you are alive!

Loving God. Slow us down and help us to remember that each day is a gift from you. You fill this day with blessings and with joy. Even when times are tough your presence brings us peace and for that we give thanks and rejoice. Amen.

This devotional was written by Bill Green and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

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