Shortly after my wedding day, I woke at 4:30 am to discover my husband already dressed wearing a big smile and holding a warm cup of coffee. The bright light hurt my eyes. Everything looked blurry. Grabbing a pillow to cover my eyes, I pleaded for the light to be turned off.
Literally as soon as my husband’s eyes open every morning, he sits up and places his feet flat on the floor. I prefer to lie in bed for ten more minutes with my head under the blanket and slowly adjust to the waking world.
But no matter whether we wake up with a happy smile or a grumpy mood, each task of our morning routine moves us towards contentment. If we oversleep and don’t have time to complete our entire morning routine, then we feel rushed and out of sorts as we drive to work. On those days we are forced to skip part of our morning routine.
Choose Gratitude
But the one thing I’ve discovered to have the biggest effect on my emotional wellbeing is standing and saying thank you to the LORD. Many days, I would say, “Thank you Lord for this glorious day!”
It could be pouring rain outside, but the action of speaking words of thankfulness to the LORD has a profound effect on my attitude. It even transforms an otherwise gloomy day into a glorious one. We have a choice. We can dance in the rain or stomp through the puddles. But by praising the Lord, I feel better, happier, and ready to face the day.
So, it doesn’t surprise me that giving thanks and praising the LORD was a daily requirement of the people who were serving in the temple of the LORD. “They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening.” (1 Chronicles 23:30 NIV)
Imagine if our job every morning was to give thanks and praise. The work office’s atmosphere and our homes would be a more joyful place.
Not only did the temple servants thank and praise in the morning, but they did this every evening as well.
Having trouble sleeping?
Try praising the Lord in song before going to bed. After the loss of a loved one, I had trouble sleeping too. I bought a music cd that sings some of my favorite psalms. Listening helps me shut down all the tabs of my brain that are endlessly looping. It helps me to focus on the one thing that is important, the Lord Jesus. Mentally wrapped in his arms, I usually fall asleep before the last song.
What is the part of your morning routine that you never skip?
Does your morning routine include a cup of coffee, exercise, or reading the paper? Perhaps you wake up earlier to read your bible and pray over your plans for the day. Maybe you drink lemon water or drink a protein smoothie.
But if I still find myself feeling anxious about my day, I count at least three things to be thankful for. This always calms my mind and helps me remember the Lord is with me today. Singing a praise song always uplifts my spirit too.
A Prayer of Thankfulness
Praise be to you, LORD, you are from everlasting to everlasting. You are great in power, glory, and majesty. Everything in heaven and earth belongs to you. You LORD are sovereign.
We thank you for giving us a thankful heart and lips to praise you as we complete our daily tasks. We praise you Lord because everything comes from your hand. Guard our minds and hearts from evil. In Jesus Name, I pray Amen.
Abide in Christ's Love 
Thanks for the reminder!
It was a good reminder for me as well. 🙂