Editor’s note: Join us for The Great Morning Revolution Online Bible Study starting January 19th! Let’s start off the New Year with a new habit of morning gratitude, reflection, exaltation, asking, and trusting God!
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There's a holy discontentment stirring in many of us, a longing for more than just surviving each day. We feel it in the quiet moments, when the noise of the world fades and we're left with the ache of our own hearts. We sense that we were made for something more, that the rush and chaos of our days aren't meant to be the rhythm of our souls.
For years, my mornings were marked by a sense of dread, a heavy weight that seemed to settle on my chest as soon as the alarm went off. I would reach for my phone with one hand and my coffee with the other, already feeling behind before my feet even hit the floor. My days were driven by the tyranny of the urgent—the endless to-do lists, the demands of work and family, the constant pressure to perform and produce.
But in the midst of that exhaustion, there was a whisper, an invitation to a different way of being. It was the gentle voice of the Spirit, calling me to wake up not just to the day, but to the presence of God. It was a summons to begin each morning not with the chaos of the world, but with the peace of Christ.
And so began my journey into the GREAT Morning Revolution, a daily practice of starting each day with gratitude, reflection, exaltation, asking, and trusting. It wasn't easy at first. The pull of old habits was strong, and the snooze button was always tempting. But slowly, as I committed to rising early and meeting with God, something began to shift.
My mornings became less about rushing and more about receiving. Instead of starting the day on the defensive, reacting to every demand and distraction, I found myself anchored in the truth of who God is and who I am in him. The GREAT Morning practice became a lifeline, a sacred rhythm that sustained me through the ups and downs of life.
As I dove deeper into this practice, I discovered that the invitation to meet with God in the morning wasn't just a nice idea, it was a scriptural imperative. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of men and women who prioritized early-morning prayer, who understood the power of starting the day in the presence of God.
In Mark 1:35, we read, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." If Jesus, the Son of God, saw the need to rise early and spend time with the Father, how much more do we need that daily communion?
The Psalms, too, are filled with references to morning prayer. "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly" (Psalm 5:3). "But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you" (Psalm 88:13). The psalmists understood that there was something sacred about the first moments of the day, a unique opportunity to align their hearts with God's before the demands of life set in.
And in Lamentations 3:22-23, we find this beautiful promise: "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Every sunrise is a reminder of God's mercies, a chance to receive the fresh grace and strength we need for the day ahead.
These passages reveal a powerful truth: Morning prayer isn't just a nice addition to our spiritual lives—it's a vital necessity. It's the key to unlocking the strength, wisdom, and peace we need to navigate the challenges of each day. When we prioritize meeting with God in the stillness of the early hours, we're not just checking off a religious box—we're tapping into the very power of heaven.
Gratitude taught me to see God's gifts in every moment, from the warmth of the sun on my face to the laughter of my children at the breakfast table. Even on the hardest days, when grief or anxiety threatened to overwhelm, gratitude reminded me that God's mercies are new every morning.
Reflection immersed me in the living Word of God, allowing Scripture to reshape my thoughts and attitudes. As I meditated on passages of truth and hope, I found my mind being renewed, my perspective shifted from earthly concerns to eternal realities.
Exaltation lifted my eyes above my circumstances, fixing my gaze on the beauty and majesty of God. In worship, I discovered a joy that transcended my feelings, a peace that surpassed my understanding. When I exalted God for who he is, my problems didn't disappear, but they were put in their proper place.
Asking invited me to bring my deepest needs and desires to a loving Father, to trust that he hears and cares about every detail of my life. In prayer, I found a safe space to be honest about my struggles and doubts, to intercede for others with compassion and faith.
Trusting reminded me that my life is not my own, that my plans and dreams are safe in the hands of a sovereign God. When I declared my trust in him each morning, I was choosing to step into the day with courage, knowing that his strength would be made perfect in my weakness.
Friends, I won't pretend that the GREAT Morning Revolution has made my life perfect. There are still days when I struggle to get out of bed, when my mind is assaulted with worries before I even open my eyes. There are mornings when my prayers feel dry and my heart feels numb. But even in those moments, I have learned that showing up matters. That the act of rising and meeting with God, even when I don't feel like it, is an act of faith and obedience.
Because here's the thing: The GREAT Morning practice isn't magic. It's not a formula for a pain-free life or a guarantee of earthly success. It's an invitation to abide in Christ, to let his presence and his Word shape us from the inside out. It's a daily choice to align our hearts with his purposes, to trust that he is working all things for our good and his glory.
So if you're feeling weary, if your soul is longing for more than just surviving, hear this as your invitation. The GREAT Morning Revolution isn't just for the super-spiritual or the naturally disciplined. It's for every one of us who yearns for a life of purpose and peace, who desires to know God more deeply and walk with him more closely.
It's time to stop just surviving and start truly thriving. It's time to embrace the morning, not as a burden to be endured, but as a gift to be unwrapped. It's time to let the light of Christ dawn in our hearts, chasing away the shadows of fear and doubt.
The world is waiting for a revolution, and it starts with us, every single morning. Let's rise up and be the change, one GREAT Morning at a time.
Written for Devotionals Daily by Tara Beth Leach, author of The Great Morning Revolution.
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Your Turn
Are you joining us for The Great Morning Revolution Online Bible Study starting January 19th? We hope to see you there! ~ Devotionals Daily