Rising Early in the Morning
by Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.
Mark 1:35 ESV
The first chapter of Mark in the Bible describes an incredible pouring out of emotional, physical and spiritual energy from the life of Jesus. He chose His disciples, taught in the Synagogue, healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and many others. Surely Jesus needed to sleep in and recover from such an emptying of energy. Yet Mark tells us Jesus rose very early in the morning, while it was still dark. He found a desolate place where He could be alone and there He prayed.
In our first devotional this week we find Jesus praying all night before He chose His disciples. Now we see Him rising early in the morning to pray after an exhausting time of ministry. When Peter finds Him, he tells Jesus that people are waiting. What Peter does not know is God, the Father of Jesus, has given His Son marching orders for the day. Instead of assuming He would continue to heal and teach in Galilee, Jesus asks His Father for direction. Jesus once more demonstrates He did not come to do His will, but He came to do His Father’s will. How confusing to the disciples, yet each day they were with Jesus taught them dependence on the Father. This is such a beautiful passage that gives us direction on how to approach our daily lives as well.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
How do you demonstrate your dependence on your heavenly Father? There is no set-in stone plan for a devotional life that leads to intimacy with God. Jesus models several ways to cultivate intimacy with our Lord. One time He stays up all night to pray. Another time He rises early in the morning. What comes through is that Jesus’ relationship to His Father was not relegated to one time of day. He pushed all of life through the grid of dependence on God the Father.
Do you have a devotional life? If not, start praying before you rise. Give your day to the Lord before you put your feet on the floor. Ask Him to remind you of His presence and desire to shine through your life. If time is short, listen to worship music while you dress or a sermon or Christian broadcast on your way to work or school. Ask the Lord to speak His truth through such messages. Pray before reading a devotional like My Utmost for His Highest or Streams in the Desert, asking the Lord to give you one thought or one promise, that will help with a need in your day.
The time to build this foundation into your life is now, before calamity strikes. Make time with your Father a priority that becomes a habit, not easily broken.
Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children and fourteen grandchildren.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.