"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" - Psalm 118:24 (NIV).
In many homes there is a sound that greets the day. It could be the sound of radio, or TV, with a broadcaster bearing news of the day. In certain places where weather changes can ruin a day members wake up anxious to hear the weather man share the day's expected weather. Having heard that voice members can start the day in ernest.
Now, just as it were, have you imagined too, that once we light out of bed, the Almighty God is just as pleased to hear our voice. The Psalmist says, "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly" (Psalm 5:3). The person who does so can then start the day in ernest.
Of course this does not mean one can't talk to God at any other time of the day. After all the Apostle Paul has urged us to "pray continually" (I Thessalonians 5:17). The Psalmist says, "Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice" (Psalm 55:17). In other words, throughout the day, we should be communicating with our God.
Yet still, there is something about starting the day, with "laying our requests" before the "author and finisher of life"! We know so, because "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" (Mark 1:35). Why the morning is because often one is clear in the mind to lay all those important requests before God. It's also a good time of reflection, in the quietness of the morning hours, before other voices crowd in. Hence the Psalmist adds, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life" (Psalm 143:8).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I start the day by talking to you for you are pleased to hear my voice, and I lay all my requests before you, waiting expectantly, for victory, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
