Elegantly appearing from behind the clouds, the sun rises, marking the tangible symbol of the lasting assurance of the Lord for a fresh day ahead. This reminder that it is not through our own actions, abilities, or merits, but through the grace of the Lord, we witness the fulfillment of the message in Lamentations 3:22-23, It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. Mornings symbolize a time for rejuvenation and readiness, offering the opportunity to start afresh in the presence and with the guidance of the Lord. Consider these six tips for beginning each morning in the presence of God.

1. Create a dedicated area

A morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day goes beyond simply having a glass of orange juice and a nutritious, protein-rich breakfast. The best way to kickstart your day is by dedicating it to the Lord. While there isn't a strict formula for this, engaging in praise and worship is a lovely way to start your day. According to Psalm 100:4, we are encouraged to enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

Reflecting on God's goodness in our hearts, expressing praise with our words, and lifting our hearts to worship serve as reminders of His faithfulness. Through worship, thankfulness, and welcoming the Holy Spirit, we create a sacred and dedicated place for the Lord. This shifts our focus from the distractions of daily life, like emails and tasks, to seeking the presence of the Lord as the core of our day.

2. Ask the Lord: Examine Me

After creating a positive atmosphere and clarifying the true purpose of the day as loving and serving the Lord, start readying your heart for His presence and guidance. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayer penned by David, which we can also use to offer our daily surrender to the Lord. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Anxiety lurks to instill uncertainty or fear, but it is not a challenge to be disregarded or faced alone. When we request the Lord to examine our thoughts, illuminate the darkest corners of our hearts, and fully understand us, true transformation can occur. We no longer hold onto the illusion of trying to repair ourselves, but we surrender everything to Him so that He can guide us in the eternal way. Another beneficial prayer to say is, “Lord, intervene in my mind before anything else does.” The more we cultivate an ability to recognize His voice (John 10), the more confident our steps will be on the path He has set before us.

3. Wear the Armor of God as described in Ephesians 6

Just as anxiety tries to overwhelm us, we need to recognize there is a greater reality beyond what we can see. Paul discusses this in Ephesians 6:10-12, pointing to the unseen world. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

To combat this invisible conflict, we need to wear our spiritual armor every day and steadfastly direct our thoughts, concentration, and affection toward the Lord. Paul continues by stating in verses 13-19:  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

When preparing for the day, it's important to not just wear clean clothes but also seek God's protection by praying for garments only He can provide.

4. Reflect on the words of the Bible

Reflecting on the verses of the Bible can be a beneficial way to start your day on a positive note. Some religious leaders suggest following the 5/5/5 guideline for the morning routine, which includes spending five minutes in worship, five minutes reading the Bible, and five minutes praying. While this guideline can be helpful, it ultimately depends on the individual's preferences. It is important to incorporate Scripture into your daily routine, whether it's reading a few verses from the Bible or engaging with a devotional that elaborates on a verse or chapter.

Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the importance of meditating on Scripture daily. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. This will lay the groundwork for belief and your daily routine.

5. Pray

Regular prayer time is essential in your daily schedule with the Lord. Seeking Him to reveal areas for improvement or redirection, gaining insights and readiness for the day ahead, or simply being attentive plays a crucial role in your day. As God possesses greater knowledge than us, tuning in to His guidance rather than relying on our own thoughts and assumptions not only allows us to walk in His wisdom but also deepens our personal connection with Him. Building a relationship with God goes beyond us making requests and listening for His responses; it involves navigating life together with His Spirit through the practice of prayer.

6. Set aside the day for Him

Finally, finish your time with God by dedicating it to Him. Whether your day is filled with stress and work demands or with excitement and happiness, both can be a way to show respect and praise to Him. By dedicating the day to the Lord, we realize that whatever happens, our actions, words, and thoughts are accountable to Him. It also reminds us that our lives represent Him and how we can act as messengers of the Kingdom of God, so we choose to follow His will over our earthly to-do lists. Offer each day to God, and you will start to notice that life becomes more colorful, joyful, and meaningful.