MORNING

My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the MORNING – I say, more than those who watch for the MORNING – Psalm 130: 6

Let’s reflect on the Mysteries of the MORNING as consistently unveiled in Scriptures. Morning refers to the early part of the day from dawn until noon, which sets the tone and tempo of daily life. Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen! Morning is of particular value both as a time for beginning daily activities and duties of life and as a special time for spiritual commitment: “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up” (Psa.5:3); “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning…” (Psa.59:16a). The morning is prime time to pray, praise, and focus devotion on God! It is also the most suitable time for events laden with spiritual significance, and time for doing God’s will and work. Overall, the morning is God’s unique time representing human opportunity to achieve something purposeful. Morning also symbolizes life’s early phase: the seasons of childhood and youth: “…In the MORNING they are like grass which grows up” (Psalm 90:5a).

Many of the references to ‘morning’ in Scriptures underline its importance for divine activities. Zephaniah affirms that every morning God “brings His justice to light” (Zeph.3:5). With the light of each day His justice was revealed to His people in acts of kindness and/or warnings through His prophets. He warned the leadership of Judah to “execute judgement in the morning” (Jer.21:12a). The morning held a special, often spiritual, significance for believers in biblical times. Morning hours served as a special time for meeting with God in heartfelt worship. It was a choice time for the priority of seeking God’s presence for fellowship, guidance and provision before other activities and burdens of the day were under taken. On one such special occasion, Jacob “rose early in the morning” to worship the Lord, sequel to a divine encounter at Bethel (Gen.28:18-19). His rising up early to set up a stone of memorial was an act of supreme significance.

It was apparently Job’s regular practice to worship God early in the morning (Job 1:5). Such also was Joshua’s habit (Jos.3:1; 6:12; 7:16; 8:10). Indeed, when crucial decisions were to be made or important activities to be accomplished, godly people rose early to deal with vital matters at hand: Abraham (Gen.22:3); Moses (Exo.24:4); Samuel’s parents (1Sam.1:19); King Hezekiah (2Chr.29:20). Morning was equally vital in the life and ministry of Jesus (Mk.1:35; Jh.8:2, 21:4). The Psalmists remind believers that the morning is a special time for prayer (Psa.5:3; 88:13). With the morning comes a new opportunity to recall God’s mercy and protection and to find direction for the tasks of the day (Psa.59:16; 90:2; 143:8). God’s loyal kindness never ceases; His compassions never end. They are fresh every morning (Lam.3:22-23). I can also say with the hymn-writer: “Great is Your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see.”

Metaphorically, morning often symbolized a new or fresh beginning (Job 38:4-7). The desire for a new beginning signifies a note of hope; relief from life’s difficulties due to God’s gracious interceding for His own; or an expression of the hope of a more pleasant life: “For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the MORNING” (Psa. 30:5). Be willing to be a beginner every single morning. Psalm 130 expressed a strong longing for God’s delivering presence by comparing it to a night watchman who looks forward to the coming of a new day. He urged his fellows to place their hope in the Lord, for forgiveness and deliverance. This is like entering into a new “morning” of fellowship with the Lord (Psa.130:5-8). The Psalmist prayed: “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust…” (Psa.138:.8a). These Bible examples should serve as a stimulus for us – today’s believers – to be eager to make maximize the “mornings” of life!