Setting The Tone For The Day

The first thing on my list of “things to get done” today was to go to my study to read the Bible and pray. By itself that is not unusual. Reading the Bible and praying are the first things on my list on the majority of days that are workdays. Some days the pattern is different, often due to the particular demands of the day. The exceptions always seem justified at the time, but so often as those days unfold the decision shows itself to have been unwise. I may have been pressed for time and shifted prayer to a more convenient part of the day, and something happens that shows me that moving prayer that day was a poor choice.

So today I went to my study and checked the app on my phone to see what the Bible reading was going to be. Lamentations 1. Certainly not a place in the Bible where we would turn if we were looking for something quick and inspiring, something to make us feel good. But God’s word, from beginning to end, is filled with truth that we need to hear, and Lamentations is no exception. As I read and prayed I lingered over the first part of verse 18, which says:

“The LORD is in the right,

For I have rebelled against his word.”

Ouch! That verse describes sin in a nutshell. God has revealed His truth and I have rebelled against it. My rebellion wasn’t just a one-time thing but happened over and over. In His mercy God’s revealed truth also included His Son Jesus, as my Savior. I still rebel but also know that my place with Jesus is sure and unfailing.

Reading the Bible and praying early in my day isn’t important so that I can cross it off my list and be what the Jesus Storybook Bible calls one of the “super extra holy people.” It is important because it prepares me to be a better servant of my Savior and Lord as the day unfolds. I don’t know what the day will bring but I believe that He most certainly does. If I want to serve him well in whatever may come I’ve found that it is essential for me to be grounded as His child.

And as I write, late on a Wednesday afternoon, what has the day brought? Reading with the boys while they ate breakfast. Some administrative work for our congregation. Editing of this coming Sunday’s sermon, from James3:13-18. All of those things were expected. I also had brief conversations with two different men who were hitchhiking to the next town. Another man who I have had mostly casual contact with in the past few years decided that today was the day to take advantage of an open invitation I’d given him  He came over and we spent an hour talking about the story of Abraham and a few other things.

Jesus is a wonderful and beautiful Savior. He is a kind and loving Lord. It is a privilege to know Him in these ways and to live each day as His servant. Experience has taught me, especially as a pastor but even before then, that some time in the Bible and prayer are essential to serving Him well as the day unfolds.

And now, a half hour after writing the last paragraph, I’m reminded of the wisdom in beginning the day with the Bible and prayer. One of the men I saw earlier today came to the house, needing a meal and some face masks. I was able to give him both, and also pray with him. Just one more reason to thank the Lord for setting the tone for the day first thing.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.