Years ago I read some sound advice about starting the day off right. “The first 90 seconds of the day sets the tone for the next 16 hours. So begin your day with a smile!”
Over the years I’ve encountered numerous people that have applied this advice with positive results. One man (with occasional protests from his wife) begins each day by enthusiastically clapping. Another loudly proclaims, “It’s going to be a great day!” Others go from their bed to their knees in prayer. And several folks spend the first moments of the day thanking God for as many blessings as possible.
King David apparently had a similar ritual. In Psalm 63:1-4 he declared, “O God, You are my God; EARLY will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
If you want to begin each day in the best possible way, do one of more or the following shortly after waking up:
Thank God for the day, along with material blessings such as your home, heat, clothing, food, etc.
Praise God for your salvation and other spiritual blessings!
Read a Bible passage and take a few minutes to allow God’s word to sink in.
Praise God in a song such as, “Thank You, Lord!” or “Count Your Blessings!” (Having a songbook nearby will help.)
That said, allow me to slightly modify the aforementioned advice, “The first 90 seconds of the day sets the tone for the next 16 hours. So begin your day by praising God!”
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis