Overcoming Morning Worry with God’s Truth
By: Kristine Brown
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” - Psalm 90:14
When I wake up in the morning - during those first few moments between sleep and lifting my eyelids - I begin thinking. I try and will my muscles to come to life and pry themselves away from the warm covers, but with futile attempts. It seems my mind wants to start working before everything else does. Most days, my first thought is about that steaming cup of coffee waiting for me in the kitchen. But then that one innocent thought takes an unexpected turn, and before I know it my thoughts land on the worries of the day before.
It’s hard to gain control of our thoughts when we wake up. Especially if we went to bed rehashing the problems of the day and wondering how everything could possibly work out. I’m guilty of praying and giving my thoughts over to God, but then trying to figure it all out on my own.
The first few moments of the day have the potential to set us on a positive course. What a difference it makes when we fill those first few moments with joy-filled thoughts! However, they can also leave our minds vulnerable to wandering thoughts. Worry can happen first thing, when we’re most unaware of the danger. In order to train our minds to follow the desired path, we need to be intentional and prepared. Having a verse memorized to begin our day will help us wake up focused on God’s Truth.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV
Possibly written with the coming of the next generation of Israelites, this prayer of Moses shows us that even in the most difficult times, our God is over all things. His people who were rescued from a life of bondage knew the consequences of their disobedience, but with their children and grandchildren came fresh hope for a new start. Moses asked God on their behalf to show his love and mercy. Leaving the past behind, they could look with gladness toward God’s promise for their future.
If winning the battle for your morning thoughts is a challenge for you, be encouraged by the truth of today’s psalm. Allow it to remind you of the power of new beginnings. Through those groggy moments between peaceful sleep and being fully awake, we can choose God’s truth for the day ahead. His love is unfailing. We have joy and gladness every day because of Him.
Every morning brings a new chance to experience the satisfaction of God’s sovereignty. When we commit this Scripture to memory, we can call it back to mind as worry tries to take over. Before we head for that first yummy cup of coffee, let’s trust God’s promise and give our day the hope-filled jumpstart it needs.
For more spiritual growth resources, check out the 5-day email devotional, How to Be Free from Bitterness, by today’s devotion writer, Kristine Brown. Learn more about women in the Bible and find encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at Kristine’s website, morethanyourself.com.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Thursday, 30 May 2024.