It’s Monday. And this time I’m meeting the week with hope and expectation but there are times this is not the case. Mondays when I dread the week ahead. . .my never-ending to-do list. . .the lack of structure that summer brings and the anxiety that comes along with it. Been there? Or are you there today? I feel you friend.
So I opened up Jesus Calling because this gem of a 5 minute devotion is often all this mama can muster up the attention span to do these days. I’m so thankful that God has gifted writers like Sarah Young to bring so much truth in so little words. I read about being aware of the presence of Jesus as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning. I read about the confidence that comes with knowing He is with me.
And that sweet song came to mind. . .
In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.
I began to read Psalm 5:3,
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
and at first I got discouraged because, let’s face it, I’m not a morning person. I couldn’t dream of meeting the morning this way. . .with such awareness and intention.
Then I read the entire chapter of Psalm 5 and I sat with it. . .with Him. . .
Listen to my words, Lord,
consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
The arrogant cannot stand
in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
you, Lord, detest.
But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies.
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
I began to see these “enemies” not as people or predators but rather my own self. The enemy of my apathy, my busyness, my lack of discipline, the lies of the enemy I believe that tell me I can’t or I won’t. . .
These enemies keep me from thriving in the presence of Jesus, everyday. But the Psalmist says, “you destroy those who tell lies. . .” the flesh within us that keeps us from freedom in Christ.
And his promise is sure. “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, oh Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
I want his favor to surround me like a shield. Not favor that leads to fame or wealth or success, but rather favor that transforms me into a fierce follower of Christ, ready to meet each day with wisdom and grace to live well and love well. With that as my goal, I know all other hopes and dreams will be fulfilled according to his will.
Do you struggle to meet the morning with expectation? How can looking to Jesus, and only Jesus, at the start of each day help change your perspective?
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This was such an encouragement! What a great psalm to start out the day and the week.
So glad it was encouraging to you Lacey. Nice to “meet” you! So glad to have you a part of this community!
Oh Jess, this is so good!! At times I find myself glossing over certain parts of Psalms because I (gratefully) have been spared having many true enemies and don’t always relate to David’s crying out for deliverance from those who are trying to kill or destroy him. But looking at it from the perspective that you just shared is wonderful! I have plenty of shortcomings and faults and places where satan’s lies have embedded themselves into my thinking and places where my own broken self keeps me alienated from God. OF COURSE those are my enemies!! It opens up a whole new way to pray through and worship with the Psalms. Such a beautiful perspective for a Monday morning. Thank you!!!!