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I choose to spend time with God in the mornings. Believe me when I tell you that it is not because mornings are my “thing.” They aren’t. I love sleeping, so cutting sleep short has to be intentional for me. I meet with God in the mornings because it is the only time of my day where the odds are high I will be uninterrupted. Alone. The house will be quiet.

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” (Psalm 143:8) It is in the morning – this morning, in fact – where I am reminded again of God’s character and greatness. The scriptures do not lie when we are promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him.

I love when the scriptures come alive for me. I have been in the habit of reading God’s word for decades, but despite my familiarity, there are times where I read a passage and it sticks out – “unfolds” in it’s meaning to me. It’s as if I am seeing it for the first time – written just for me and for my present circumstance.

Today my time was really spent between just 3 Psalms. As I read, I noticed that the character of God became really evident. So many times I believe we think of God as distant, removed, harsh even. And yet, the scriptures do not seem to indicate that those feelings actually represent the Creator.

“The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.” (Psalm 145:8-9) Merciful. Compassionate. God’s anger is controlled and predictable. His love is incapable of failing. God is good. I love the idea or image of God showering down His blessings and goodness on me. He is not withholding His goodness – but showering it upon me!

“For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. your rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.” (Psalm 145: 13-14) Unlike the kingdoms of this world, God’s kingdom is eternal and everlasting. His kingdom will not be shaken or removed. God can be trusted because He always keeps His promises. He cannot lie. He is constantly extending His divine grace to His creation. When I fall and stumble beneath the burdens this life puts upon me, God is right there to help me and lift me up.

“The LORD is righteous in everything He does. He is filled with kindness. The LORD is close to all those who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The LORD protects all those who love Him.” (Psalm 145:17-20a) God’s ways and character are right. His moral standard is THE moral standard. God is kind, not like man who exhibits kindness sporadically rather, God is filled with kindness. God is close to me when I call on Him. He is not distant – He cannot be – for He hears me when I cry out to Him. He loves to grant my desires. As I am transforming into who He desires me to be, my desires begin to change. My heart begins to align more with God’s. It is then that God showers me with blessings by answering my requests. God will not only help and rescue me – His hand of protection is upon me.

Friend, this is why I sacrifice sleep. This is why I carve out this time. I do it so that I may hear of God’s unfailing love, and be reminded of His presence with me. It is a reminder I need daily, lest I forget.

Blessings!