Dawn’s Early Light

“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:2-3

“Yours is the day, yours also the night;
    you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.” Psalm 74:16

“The Lord God has given me
    the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
    him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
    he awakens my ear
    to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear.” Isaiah 50:4-5a

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live” 55:1-3a

Ancient mountains loom soft forest green and strong, their crags rocky firm, sloping, reaching high. Dawn’s early light hits the tops first, illuminating, elucidating, pronouncing a new day’s benediction. So the hours begin, soaked in heaven’s kiss.

Rising from the dark we greet each new day afresh. From hushed sleep we rise in need of dawn’s light to reveal, renew, enlighten. What was foggy or forgotten in the cozy robe of sleep now appears anew. Are we watching? Listening? Waiting for instruction, filling, the strength of God’s presence?

We have in Jesus a dearest Friend, an Advocate for every trouble, Redeemer for every sin, Confidante for every fear. He is our Light and embues us with it as we come. He lightens our load while filling our hearts. (Jeremiah 50:34; John 8:12; 1 Peter 5:7)

What specific time have we set aside and guarded to meet with the Lord? What planning or adjustments does it require to keep? Do we linger long enough to soak in the light of the Word and gain its wisdom and direction beginning at the top of mind, to stay attuned until the Lord has finished speaking to us to accomplish His intention? (Genesis 17:22; 18:33; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 55:10-11)

“Awake, my soul, and with the sun 
thy daily stage of duty run;
shake off dull sloth, and early rise
to pay thy morning sacrifice.

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew.
Disperse my sins as morning dew;
guard my first springs of thought and will;
and with Thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
all I design or do or say,
that all my pow’rs, with all their might,
in Thy sole glory may unite.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise Him all creatures here below;
praise Him above, ye heav’enly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” ~Thomas Ken (1695)

Father, shine on me from day’s start and top down, so I may think Your thoughts, move as You lead, and spread Your light throughout my hours and for Your glory.