Yesterday I was trying to catch up on some of my posts on KI (our online bible classes), and one of the questions really got me going. By the time I was done, I just felt that the Lord had walked me through that very personal answer and I was in tears.
The question was "What was Elijah's challenge to the people of Israel? What are some of the things in that challenge that you wrestle with?"
1Ki 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
My answer was making Him my Lord every single day, starting with a first-thing morning devotional time. I want to in my heart, but my heart is not what drags me out of bed in the morning. I need to simplify it- either I prioritize myself, or I put Him first. Gee, what should my answer be? So by the end, working through all my excuses, I was praying that He would encourage me to get up and get it done. Period.
Well, He did. Melia woke me up at 6am, and I sent her back to bed. (Why do they get up before it's light out? Why?) She went quietly, but then of course, I couldn't go back to sleep. And I laid there and argued with Him- couldn't He just reveal something to me in bed? Does praying count for devotional time? It's Sunday Lord, doesn't church count? Please God, IT's 6 AM! After a while, I got the drift, and got up. Made some coffee, and completed two days of bible study. Like I should have, but let's just say my heart wasn't exactly joyful about it. (I am NOT a morning person.)
And the rest of the story? I barely participated in Sunday school, I fell asleep in church... and I was a zombie at work. But- I did my morning devotional. I think this is something I should pray about. I know it's best to start the day devotionally, but when my brain doesn't turn on until at least 8 or 9, I'm just not quite convinced that this is going to work. And here you have me justifying what my head doesn't want to do, but my heart knows I should.
How do you force that worldly sleepyhead down and lift your soul up?
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4 comments:
I have different issues..mainly because M gets up before 6 every single morning...so although I am awake and ready then, she's there to distract me at that time! When I am up before her I can focus, but I go to bed right after her...before 9. What time do you go to bed? I don't know if that would make a difference or not. I've also heard/practiced that shorter, but more frequent devotional/quiet times make sense during this time (when you have little ones in the house), a short time first thing (15 or so?) and then more as the day allows. But that might not work for everyone.
I can totally relate and see what your saying. I tend to save mine for when the kids are in bed. Even thought they go to bed at 6 I am fighting the urge to sit and do nothing or do what I know very well and very much want to do! We are reading a neat book, Dan and I. There was a neat tid bit in Genisis I wanted to share with you :)
I would try taking a walk or some sort of exercise to start, praying while you go. Then save the devotional/sit down time for the end. Exercise in the morning always wakes me up & actually makes me feel more energized in the day even though I got up earlier. Praying & walking go awesome together, but its a tad cold this time of year. Just an idea!
I don't think that God really cares when we spend time with Him, just that we do put Him first. I don't feel like I need to get up earlier, but I should spend time with Him before heading to the computer or whatever, after breakfast. Morning or evening, don't become legalistic about it, but find what works for you and do it, even if it is reading and thinking about only 1 verse during the day. Being to tired to function the rest of the day is not God's plan for any of us. Balance is so important and hard to achieve! You've gotten some good thoughts from several others, I hope some of it is helpful. Good luck!
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