Day 33
Start Your Day with God

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.” (Psalm 5:3)

Reflection:
Picture Jesus slipping out before dawn while his disciples were still snoring. He left the crowds waiting for miracles and found a quiet spot to pray (Mark 1:35). Why? Because he knew morning sets the tone for everything else and prayer would give Him renewed strength (solitary time with our Father). Psalm 63:1 captures that same hunger: “My soul thirsts for you in a dry and weary land.” And Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “His mercies are new every morning.”

So what do you reach for first when your alarm goes off? Your phone? Coffee? The day’s to-do list? Starting with God isn’t just another habit—it’s the way to steal fresh strength before the world starts draining you. Jesus didn’t wait for emergencies to seek his Father; He built that intimacy into every day. Imagine your whole day anchored in His presence—stress bouncing off you, decisions coming clearer, peace holding steady through the chaos. David’s morning prayers fueled his battles, and Jesus’ dawn time powered him all the way to resurrection. Your five minutes could do the same—fueling breakthroughs others chase for hours. Don’t let the sunrise slip away. Claim those mercies before emails and obligations bury you.

What’s stealing your first moments with Him right now?

Today’s Challenge: Set your alarm five minutes earlier tomorrow. Pray Psalm 5:3 and Lamentations 3:23 before touching your phone: “New mercies for today.” Speak your real needs honestly. Dawn prayer set the rhythm for eternity.

Prayer: Loving God, Jesus getting up early calls me out on my reactive faith. Help me greet each morning with thirsty seeking, claiming Your unfailing compassions before the chaos hits. In Jesus’ name, Amen.