“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” – Psalm 59:6 (NIV)

It’s a fact well established universally that the first thing that settles on every bird around the globe once it is up in the morning is chirp a song. Birds sing through the day but the morning chorus when they break into their songs is their finest hour. Many around the world use this outbreak of fresh songs from a chorus of birds as a signal to start a new day.

Researchers have found a number of reasons why birds are so possessed with this early morning activity. One reason is, light levels are too dim for birds to do much foraging in the morning, and so why not use this as a great opportunity to sing. Another reason is for the males to declare aloud that they control territory. But a greater reason is for every bird to give notice by praising its creator that its, well, much still alive. However harsh the past day might have been, with little food gathered, forget that, there is a new day with all its promises. So why not praise the creator for another day!

Now, if birds are so aware of this supreme fact, which they look up to and dare not start a day without, how about us humans? When one takes into account all that could have happened through the day, and is up and bright, how about agreeing with King David, who once wrote, “Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:4-5).

Yes, joy comes in the morning, no matter how bad the past day was, for the new day breaks with its new promises. Joy comes in the morning for the new day is a gift from God where others do not have life but you are still here. Why not praise God as life cannot be taken for granted, anyway.

David goes on to conclude his psalm, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” (Psalm 30: 11-12).

So, today, rise up and give thanks to the Almighty God with a song of praise. Of course you can do all that through the day. But like the birds of the earth, the morning hour, could be one way to start, with a song of praise and hope!

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as the new day breaks, I give thanks to you for the gift of life, and start with a song of praise, for you are good and your favor lasts for a lifetime, this I pray in Jesus’s name!