Several years ago our whole family had to go for blood tests - the doctor said it was time to check everyone's cholesterol. Which means needles. Which meant one of our sons decided to leave us for a little while. He had just had some blood drawn, and he said, "I'm feeling a little weak." Yup. He proceeded to pass out. Now he might have been the strongest person in our family - but each person's reaction is different to this little exercise. A few moments later he came to and muttered that famous question, "What happened?" Then he passed out again. Later, he told us what he remembered from opening his eyes that first time - his mother's concerned face - and, in his words, "seeing this real old nurse." It's funny how strong those just-waking-up impressions are.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You about "The Best Part Of Waking Up."
Our word for today from the Word of God, Psalm 17:15. "And I - in righteousness I will see Your face. When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness." Now first and foremost, I think David is referring here to that wonderful moment when we awaken in eternity and see Jesus. But it's also a helpful description of a good way to live on this side of eternity.
Now there's a certain brand of coffee that has a jingle that says, "The best part of waking up is "our stuff" in your cup." I'd like to propose that the best part of waking up is Jesus in your room. David, the man after God's own heart, said, "When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness." I want to see You, Lord, when I wake up!
The early moments of any day tend to set the tone for that day. Will this be a stress day, worry day, dirty day, negative day, discouraging day, go-for-it day? So much depends on what you dwell on in your early moments of the day. The best days are the ones when your waking moments are filled with Jesus.
This doesn't come naturally. You have to train your mind to think a certain way just like athletes train their bodies to react a certain way. It's a mental discipline to fill up your starting moments with Jesus. As soon as you have control of your thoughts - as soon as you can clear away some of those cobwebs - acknowledge the personal presence of Jesus in your room.
In those groggy, getting up/getting ready moments, talk to Jesus. And focus on things to praise Him for - enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Hit rewind and review yesterday and thank Him for some things He did in that day. Then fast forward through the day ahead and turn over to Him the things and the people and the concerns that will dominate this day. When you begin like this, you are opening the door for His peace to be at the center of your soul that day. Remember, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You."
As your brain is waking up, it's as if 20 different characters are vying for center stage up there - including the devil. So it's important to make the choice, the promise the night before that your early morning center stage will belong to your Savior. It's part of "seeking first the kingdom of God" - like first in your day. That may just mean seeking Jesus before you talk with anyone else - or allow yourself to think about anyone else. That Jesus-focus can set your course for the whole day.
After a day begun with the Lord of the universe, you are ready for anything. What's there when you start the day leaves a lasting impression. And the best part of waking up is waking up to Jesus.