The Morning Ritual that Will Focus Your Heart and Your Days

Posted on Oct 17, 2019 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Pam Farrel

I live near a military base, so each day at exactly 8:00 a.m., I hear “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the “Reveille” trumpet call. This morning ritual reminds soldiers of their mission and motivation—and I have been using it to do the same for me. To kick-start my day, I hold my planner and ask, “What do you have for my day, Lord? You are the commander of my heart. Help me march to the beat of your heart.”

Can you imagine how different each of us and this world would be if we gave God the pen to write in the planner of our life?

I am a personal planner enthusiast. I believe God wants us to be good stewards of our time here on earth. Christ calls us to estimate the cost of building a tower (Luke 14:28). Paul reminds in Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV): “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil… understand what the Lord’s will is.”

I love the thrill of opening a new planner whether it’s January or September. Seeing the open days and months ahead conjures up feelings of possibility. God wants us to plan, and he also wants us to allow the Creator to design our day while giving us power to walk it out:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” (Psalm 37:23 NIV).

No matter what scheduling app or planner you use, in the end, it is a vital daily decision to say, “Your will, your way, your day, Lord.” Some days, his plan for you will look exactly like what you have written; however, on other days, God wants to give us something better than our agenda.

On these days, he offers us an experience that will draw us nearer to his heart; an assignment where our only path to success is complete dependence on God’s power; an interaction that will bless and build us or encourage and equip another. Sometimes, we are asked to just get in the boat, not to simply get to the other shore, but to see Christ come walking on water!

Live with your eyes on the Savior, heaven in your heart, and your feet on earth accomplishing God’s purpose. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV).

Keep your gaze upward and combine your love for God with your heart for creativity when you download this printable coloring page.