Notes of Faith September 29, 2023
In The Morning When I Rise
Beloved author Sarah Young passed away Thursday, August 31 in her Tennessee home. Sarah wrote one of the most widely read devotionals of all time, Jesus Calling. Her writings have sold more than 45 million copies in 35 languages. Sarah’s books offered words of encouragement, comfort, and reassurance of Jesus’ unending love. Her goal was to help readers “find peace in the presence of the Savior who understands you completely and loves you perfectly.”
As you get out of bed in the morning, be aware of My Presence with you. You may not be thinking clearly yet, but I am. Your early morning thoughts tend to be anxious ones until you get connected with Me. Invite Me into your thoughts by whispering My Name. Suddenly your day brightens and feels more user-friendly. You cannot dread a day that is vibrant with My Presence.
You gain confidence through knowing that I am with you — that you face nothing alone. Anxiety stems from asking the wrong question: “If such and such happens, can I handle it?” The true question is not whether you can cope with whatever happens, but whether you and I together can handle anything that occurs. It is this you-and-I-together factor that gives you confidence to face the day cheerfully.
In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation. — Psalm 5:3
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.
— Psalm 63:1 NKJV
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:13
Walk by faith, not by sight. As you take steps of faith, depending on Me, I will show you how much I can do for you. If you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you. When I gave you My Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength. That’s why it is so wrong to measure your energy level against the challenges ahead of you. The issue is not your strength but Mine, which is limitless. By walking close to Me, you can accomplish My purposes in My strength.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. — Galatians 5:25
But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to You; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. — Psalm 59:16-17
As you look into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way. The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you. Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.
You must make your choices one at a time since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. — Lamentations 3:22–26
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
— Proverbs 16:9
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! — Psalm 34:8 NKJV
Excerpted from Jesus Calling Note-Taking Edition by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.
As I think about being in the presence of God, I am overwhelmed. There is great awe, joy, love, reverent fear of being in the presence of holiness while being unholy. The presence of God brings peace, comfort, and healing. When you read the Bible you will experience all of these things for God is speaking to you. God lives inside those who believe in Him and inhabits their praise and worship. He is always with you! Our thoughts and understanding of God are way too small. He is far beyond our finite mind. If you have not done so before, start mornings with God, being in His presence, giving Him glory for who He is and for who you are because of what He has done. Your day(s) will be strengthened in the presence of the Lord!
Pastor Dale