"As you get out of bed in the morning, be aware of My Presence with you. You may not be thinking clearly yet, but I am. Your early morning thoughts tend to be anxious ones until you get connected with Me. Invite Me into your thoughts by whispering My Name." (188)
Over the years I have noticed that my first waking thoughts can often be anxious or even rather self-sabotoging. I can easily start the day feeling anxious about the demands of that day, filled with many I-should-have, could-have or if-I-would-have thoughts that accuse and can undermine me.
So, I do much better when I promptly redirect my first conscious thoughts. I will often think of a praise song or some inspirational hymn. Even some children's songs can perk me up as I am getting up. Dr. David Amen's challenge, to think of at least 5 things you are thankful for each morning, has been proven to change the neuro-chemical environment of our brains. Even smiling, first thing in the morning, according to brain research, can jump-start our day in the right direction!
I want my brain to be spiritually and neuro-chemically healthy so that I can be most productive and pleasant all day long. It radically helps me, when I "face the day cheerfully." Incidentally, YOU are one of my 5 things I am thankful for today!
Waking Up with Praise...dmc
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I found your blog after starting Jesus Calling two days ago. I do the same thing with Children's Songs. When I was reading the scripture that went along with today's devotional - I kept finding more and more passages that go along with it. I love how it said to invite God in every morning - start your day with Him and know that He's with you through every step of it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome! I'm SO glad you are joining the Jesus Calling journey!
DeleteEach day is a Divine adventure. Love those change-your-life songs we sang as kids that seem to really stick with us. "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before..." Amen!