Morning Joy

Psalm 94:19, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." (NIV 1984)

I awoke before the dawning of a new day this morning.  Such abstract behavior for me!   If I had my way, the whole world would go to work around Noon. :) 

But on mornings when I do awaken earlier than my norm, I find that I rather enjoy it.  I don't know if it's because it happens so rarely or what.  But I do enjoy my "extra time".  On mornings such as this, it's as if all my senses are waking up right along with the sun.  I love that feeling!

This morning, listening to all the little birdies...the little finches that sit along the top of my dog's pen outside...I couldn't help but smile.  And, I smiled even bigger, chuckling to myself, when I heard the neighbor's rooster greeting the new day.  It reminded me of the scripture in Matthew where it talks about not worrying about our days.  The earth was waking up and singing.  I should do the same. 

The sun was just beginning the backdrop for the beauty of the morning sky.  Beautiful.  Instead of worrying about my job prospects.  Instead of worrying about my health.  Instead of worrying about all things that encapsulate my future.  I should rather focus on the fact that I am a child of God.  He's my Father.  He knows just how to take care of me.  good care.  He doesn't want serpents and stones for me.  He wants life. And He wants me to have it more abundantly. 

Thinking on that I couldn't help but re-read the quote on this month's calendar page:  God Designed Your Life For The Purpose Of Making It Lovely

What peace floods my soul. 

The sun is higher in the sky now.  Awaking the black of the night sky to its happy blueness.  It's the same sky, but the colors have changed.  Light has come!  The trees standing outside my window in the neighbor's yard seem are more greener today than yesterday.  Pollen may be prevelent in the air, but LIFE is happening.  Spring is coming.  It's gonna be a beautiful day!  Hey, it ALREADY is. 

No, I do not have the promise that trials won't come.  But I do have the promise that my Father will be with me in them.  through them.  I have the promise that no matter what He is working all things, designing all things, for my good.  And, what's more, He's allowed me a whole other 24 hours to work with me! :)  That's love, my friend, that's unconditional love! 

This is my consolation.  This brings me great joy! 

Blessed Assurance
Jesus Is Mine
Oh! what a foretaste
of GLORY divine.

I'm an heir of salvation
Purchased by God
Born of the Spirit
I've been washed in His blood. 
This IS my story.  This is my song! 
I'm praising my Savior ALL DAY LONG.