Music is embedded into my soul, thanks to growing up in a musically gifted family. This also means that if I need to memorize scripture or remind myself of what God has spoken to me, the best way I’ll remember or listen is through song lyrics. Last week was a slow and healing family vacation on the Lake and it was so good, but as soon as I got back, I needed to hit the ground running. We all have those seasons of life right?     This morning one of my favorite songs was on my playlist as I was driving from place to place, When The Crazy Kicks In by Francesca Battistelli. After a late night rushing to the next thing and waking up early, this song reminded me what I forgot to do this morning.

 

   Be Still…& Listen…with my Lord.      

 

    Francesca sings from a mother’s perspective that in the early morning before her kiddos’ (she’s now pregnant with their fifth) wake up is her only chance during the day to meet God before the craziness of life begins. She uses the visuals of plates spinning and the circus of distractions throughout her day that seem fitting to all walks of life. She knows she won’t be ready to steward those expectations of herself and all the roles she’s supposed to play without first being still and listening. And BOY did that Preach and convict me. I definitely forgot to do that this morning. Scripture tells us to meditate on the Lord day and night and always multiple times. Here are a few: 

 

     “Blessed is the one…who meditates on his [the Lord] law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-2        

 

    “Keep the Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8      

 

    “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchman wait for the morning, more than watchman wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6      

 

 

      We all have our own set of duties and to-do lists that need to be finished. But if we don’t first calm ourselves and remember what the most important thing is, we won’t be fully equipped to handle what today will throw in our path. While yes, bills need to be paid and people need cared for and we gotta make sure we’re making healthy choices…none of that matters if we don’t invite God along with us, If we don’t stay tuned to His Will and His Word, we will not prosper. This still time will most likely look different for all of us, but as long as we make it a priority, we can stay on track.      

 

Make It Personal: Let’s get real honest with ourselves, is the first thing you do when you wake up involve inviting the Lord into your thoughts and day? If so, nicely done! You inspire me! Are there any tweaks you need to make to help encourage growth in your relationship with the Lord? If you’re like me and feel convicted by this scripture today, know you are not alone. What can you do to remind yourself and control yourself to make listening to God in the morning a priority?        

 

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13  

 

I pray that we remember God every morning this week and on, Pastor Ashley Litwiller