Very Early in the Morning
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Genesis 1:3-5
3. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
Mark 1:35
And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.
Luke 24:1
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
I am not a morning person! Were it not for coffee, I don’t think I would have the will to rise each day! Sleeping is one of my favorite “hobbies” in fact! So it seems a bit ironic to me that, for the past several weeks, the phrase “very early in the morning” has been running through my mind. I suppose you think that’s not so surprising, since I get up
very early in the morning to meet my walking buddy three times a week! But it’s more than that. Something about the pre-dawn world is almost surreal. Each morning that we walk together, God gives us the gift not only of renewing/deepening our friendship, but also a special glimpse of his wonder and majesty that can only be witnessed at that hour – in that place.
And while I am so very tired – beyond tired – literally incoherent – when my alarm goes off, I know that it will be worth it because of what awaits me! This morning the moon was a red glowing orb with gray clouds passing across its face. It seemed to shift shapes as the clouds – invisible until they crossed in front of the moon – traveled across the sky. For a moment or two we simply stood, watching with wonder as if God were telling us, “see, my wonders are new every day!”
When I did a search on the word “morning” I received 24 “hits” from Genesis alone! Of course, God was busy during Genesis, wasn’t he!? Morning is an important time for God, I think. Throughout the first chapter of Genesis, even though God had labored to bring into being a part of creation, the next day offered a chance to begin yet again; to try out something new. And while God “rested” after the evening, he was up and at it bright and early, ready to begin anew – in the beginning there was only darkness. And then he made the light.
We read of Jesus rising early to pray and be alone so often. He had to get in his quiet time with God before he began his work anew each day. The women in Luke went to the grave “very early in the morning” so they could properly dress Jesus’ body before they began their daily chores. And on those mornings when I return from walking with my friend, I am no longer tired, but rather, energized and thankful for the “extra” time before I begin my day. Some mornings I could honestly make “one more circuit” but I am eager to get home and see what scripture I am led to, and just sit quietly with my God. I think very early in the morning is God’s favorite time! And, amazingly, by the time He’s finished sharing his wonders with me on those mornings, it’s mine too!
I hope you’ll carve out some time today, to be alone and sit quietly with your God. And that you’ll believe me when I say that His wonders, just like his mercies, are new each day!
Mary
