The Lodestar

Waking up in the morning is the first moment of consciousness after the night's rest. We are not fully conscious during sleep, although our subconscious mind may remain active. The alarm, sunlight, birds, or traffic wake us up, and they also trigger the thinking process.

According to ancient Indian wisdom, although it may sound superstitious, the first thing we see or hear upon waking determines the day's outcomes. People who believe in omens are keen to see their favourite idols or hear mantras that will bring good luck as they wake up.

The psalmist stresses the importance of the morning but in a unique way. What matters is not what he first sees or hears but what his God sees and hears.

This Godly person is confident that God's ears are open to his prayers in the morning. In other words, his first thought in the morning is a prayer he offers to God. The Hebrew words "I prepare a sacrifice for you" could also be translated as "I direct my prayer to you" (ESV note) or "I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly" (NIV).

Instead of waking up with worrying thoughts or thoughts from the previous day, we must first speak to God Almighty, who is waiting to hear from his children.

Ready to transform your mornings? Start each day by directing your first thoughts to God. Take a moment before the worries set in to offer a prayer, lay your requests before Him, and wait with expectation.