Today was an unusual day in that I woke up earlier than normal. I was like, okay, I will have more time to set up for music class at school. I got ready as usual and when I was leaving the bedroom, I was saying goodbye to Donovan, and I got no response. That was unusual. Then I thought, maybe he woke up earlier and is down in his office studying (which has happened on occasion). When I went to go downstairs it was pitch dark. I turned on the lights, looked for light at the bottom of his office door and it was not on. Now I have lost my Pastor! I get in my car and pull out of the garage and there was no sign of Donovan’s truck. Now I finally call him, and he doesn’t answer but he texts me back and says that he is in a prayer meeting. I’m thinking, wow, this is an early prayer meeting. It made me think of Daniel. He prayed three times a day and I am sure that one of them was early in the morning.
Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
I can’t even imagine getting up any earlier than I do, but this morning I felt more at peace than I normally do. I wasn’t rushed, I wasn’t stressed, and I definitely wasn’t going to be late. What if I woke up earlier every morning to be able to spend some time with God in prayer. Sure, I talk to God in my car and worship Him on the way to school, but this early thing seems just so different. It is like God is saying, “Be still & listen to Me.” He says this in his Word, too.
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The still of the early morning is like no other. It is the calm before the storm of the day. If you think about it, this is a perfect time to talk with God because so many people are asleep and maybe, just maybe it is easier to focus and let God hear our hearts, Less noise in the mind, less noise because the day hasn’t officially started, less noise because you are being still and knowing God.
I think back to a few weeks ago when we were in the Smoky Mountains. I asked Donovan to pull over and park where one of the paths to the stream was. I got down by the stream, on the rocks and was literally in the middle. It was amazing! The water running down over the rocks and the peacefulness of God’s wonderful creation. I was tearing up and realized how much I needed that! See, when we slow down, we start seeing more of God and the peace He gives us in our lives. We start seeing the why, the what, the how of everything. We can clear our minds of the muck that is in there and start afresh. God doesn’t want us walking around like zombies, He wants the River of Life flowing out of us with JOY that only He can give, but we must stop and listen.
I am definitely glad I found out where my Pastor was! It is an example he is setting for us all. He amazes me everyday how God continues to work in His life and use him for His glory.
I will go on and do my service for the Lord and hopefully I will amaze my Pastor, too but most importantly, I want to amaze God by spending special time with him, by being sold out for Him in everything I do,
No, I didn’t really “lose” my pastor, by my pastor did lose himself in God. May we all be encouraged and do the same.
James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.