Starting Your Day

How do you start your day, a long project, or a boring chore?

Photo by Dušan veverkolog on Unsplash

Do you routinely jump up ready to take on whatever task, big or small, that is on your To Do List for today?

Some do. They were born able to pop out of bed everyday upbeat and get going. Not me.

Let’s just say it isn’t my default setting.

Of course there are holidays and vacation moments when out of bed in an almost giddy mood is no problem at all. The real problem on those days is to manage the excitement the night before in order to get enough rest.

All the exceptions and unique people aside, allow me to go out on a limb and say most of us have some difficulties getting started, which is probably the biggest reason coffee is a critical morning beverage for many.

But here is the good news.

It is possible, no matter our natural tendencies, to learn to rise and shine. Can you agree it is a discipline worth mastering?

I think I have a psalm perfect for our need to start the day on the right foot. It’s Psalm 100.

It’s easy to remember and it’s just five verses — so easy to memorize if you are so inclined. If not, write it on a card and put it by your bed so you can read it first thing in the morning.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 100 (ESV).

In keeping with the idea of making a joyful noise, I find the following song helping me do just that.