I am one of those people who need to have it quiet when I read or study. I know others can have the TV or music on and it actually helps them to concentrate, but I need quiet to truly let my mind stay on task. So, I've made it a practice to get up early, before the rest of the household is awake, and have my coffee and quiet time with the Lord. It is during that time which is mostly free from distractions I am better able to focus on the Lord and His word for me. But, this wasn't always an easy thing for me to do.

It was difficult to condition myself to get up early every morning, especially when the bed is warm and comfortable. When my eyes first open, it would be so easy to close them again and let myself slip back into the restful stillness of sleep. However, since I have learned to fight against my natural urge to stay in bed I have found that a wonderful time awaits me during those early morning hours spent with the Lord. But how do we accomplish this?




Many of you may remember the movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales”. In it, one of the most memorable characters, Lone Watie, is speaking to Josey about the challenges facing the Native Americans during the difficult era following the Civil War. He quotes a headline in the newspaper and ponders its meaning, “Endeavor to Persevere”. I love that phrase, but how do we put it into practice?

Paul tells us in Hebrews 12:1b-2: “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…” We need to be determined to keep going. God will give us the strength and help us to avoid distractions if we keep our eyes on Jesus. By endeavoring to persevere, we will live out the verse, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). And our prize is our relationship with Christ.

In order to avoid the distractions which attempt to interfere with my desire to develop my relationship with Christ, I have chosen to get up early and “run the race with endurance.” Though it is still difficult at times, it is getting easier and easier to get up before my tired body wants to crawl out of bed. But I know that like any relationship, my relationship Christ blossoms under the proper attention. So, by overcoming the distractions in my life and staying focused, I find that my relationship with the Lord is deepening with every moment I spend alone with Him. I am endeavoring to persevere.


In His grip,




Please join me today for Sharing His Beauty and share the blessing that God is to you in your life. Simply click on the "You're Next" linky below and enter your blog information.

Or, if you choose, you may leave a comment on my post to tell of the beauty you have found in His hands. Be sure to visit some of the other inspirational sites linked up and be encouraged today!

30 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for this encouragement! I recently began a new job, and the schedule has been demanding. Time with Jesus is hard to squeeze in, but you're right--it's a relationship worth cultivating.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I work as well, and I have found that when I start my day with the Lord, I am better equipped to face whatever my work day has for me. so glad you were encouraged! Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debbie PetrasSeptember 09, 2012

    I'm with you. I need total quiet to concentrate. I too get up early before my husband so I have time alone with the Lord. It's the best way to start my day.


    blessings and love,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Joan - I also need that quiet time. Although I can read with noise in the room, in order to clearly hear God's voice, I need to be still and alone. My day goes so much better when I first take time to spend with the Lord.
    I'm also finding that more and more, I crave quietness.
    Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  5. "Endeavor to persevere." I love that phrase, too, and I will remember it always. Waking up early to praise and worship and feel His presence is an excellent thing. Many of our brethren in Church do that, as early as 3am for some. But for me, since I'm a late sleeper, I seek the Lord when everyone in our household is asleep. Sometimes that is very late, as late as 1am, but by the grace of God, the hunger for His presence is stronger than my body's desire to rest :).


    http://rinaperu.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love my early morning time before anyone else in the house is awake; there is nothing more fulfilling than being rested
    and ready for the brand new day that God has planned for us! I love to start my
    day with thoughts of having Him by my side and helping me with whatever the day
    brings. God has something to say to us the minute we start our day!! :)

    Blessings on your Monday morning Joan!
    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  7. This summer I also started getting up very early to have some quiet study time. I received a challenge to do this, but I truly didn't think I could do it. I've tried so many times, and I don't know why this time stuck. Isn't it wonderful, though, to have quiet peace around you as you study God's word?

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have discovered that that time of day is now one of my favorites! Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  9. So true...my day goes so much better when I spend quiet time with the Lord. Even on days when troubles abound, when I have had that early connection with Him, I am better able to handle what comes my way. blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, any time with the Lord is the perfect time! Some, like you, have that time shortly before sleep. I like the early mornings, but whatever time is chosen, God will honor that and we will be blessed for it! Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good morning, Denise! Yes, I love how God will speak to us through our times with Him. At any time of the day, when we turn our ear to Him, He will have a word for us! What a blessing! Joan

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes, it is wonderful to have peace and quiet around us as we meet with the Lord! I'm so glad that you have found a time that works for you and your time with God. God will bless you for your perseverance! Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  13. I reserve the last 30 minutes or so at night for my Quiet Time. It's when I get cozy with God and let my last thoughts before sleep be about Him. I am so not a morning person, so when I used to try to get up early to read, I couldn't concentrate.


    Now I'm trying to get up early to exercise in the morning. It's tough for me, but I always feel better when I do.


    I pray that your Distraction Free time with God continues to grow :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very beautifully said my friend. Thanks for taking the time to write and provide the link up.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Laurie CollettSeptember 10, 2012

    What a beautiful and Godly example, Joan! What better way to start your day than with Him! Thanks for the great post & for hosting the linkup, & God bless,
    Laurie



    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Tonya!


    Evening time before bed is great, too! I've heard that for many people, that is their best time with Him. I think the most important thing is to just set time apart to be with Him - morning or evening =) I hope your exercise time goes well, too! Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  17. So glad you stopped by today! And, I know I haven't mentioned it earlier...but thank you so much for the sweet card after my dad passed. It meant the world to me! Blessings to you Salina! In Him, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks, Laurie! I pray you have a blessed day! In Him, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kathy SchwankeSeptember 10, 2012

    i love my time in the morning quiet with Jesus...thank you for coming for a visit today. :) We just started the book "A Sudden Glory" by Sharon Jaynes ...seeking greater intimacy with Jesus. I am excited to hear stories of His visitations. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kathy SchwankeSeptember 10, 2012

    i love my time in the morning quiet with Jesus...thank you for coming for a visit today. :) We just started the book "A Sudden Glory" by Sharon Jaynes ...seeking greater intimacy with Jesus. I am excited to hear stories of His visitations. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kathy SchwankeSeptember 10, 2012

    i love my time in the morning quiet with Jesus...thank you for coming for a visit today. :) We just started the book "A Sudden Glory" by Sharon Jaynes ...seeking greater intimacy with Jesus. I am excited to hear stories of His visitations. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kathy SchwankeSeptember 10, 2012

    i love my time in the morning quiet with Jesus...thank you for coming for a visit today. :) We just started the book "A Sudden Glory" by Sharon Jaynes ...seeking greater intimacy with Jesus. I am excited to hear stories of His visitations. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Joan,

    I so love my quiet times with our wonderful Lord and Saviour. I am in the very blessed position to be able to have many of those throughout my day. I too need quiet to reflect and listen. Whether it's me, my bible and journal in the morning or night in my home, or when I am able to be outside in His beautiful creation, the more time I spend being still in His presence, the more I crave it :)

    Thank you for your lovely post.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Joan,

    I so love my quiet times with our wonderful Lord and Saviour. I am in the very blessed position to be able to have many of those throughout my day. I too need quiet to reflect and listen. Whether it's me, my bible and journal in the morning or night in my home, or when I am able to be outside in His beautiful creation, the more time I spend being still in His presence, the more I crave it :)

    Thank you for your lovely post.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Joan, I used to sleep really well, then when I got older I started waking up at about 3:30 or 4 am, and had a difficulty trying to go back to sleep. One day I got fed up and decided to just get up, dress, put on my make up at such an early hour, go downstairs and start my day by reading the Bible, praying and studying, and painting the bible verses. Now, I just love my early morning prayer time! I am now excited to wake up and see what God has in store for me!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Joan, getting up early is definitely my goal in life, to spend time with the Lord. I think i should stop procrastinating. Great reminder to run the race with endurance.
    God bless
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the book tip! I'll have to check it out! Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  28. I know what you mean...the more time we spend with Him, the more we crave to be with Him! I have found that my time with the Lord is the best part of my day!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I figure that when we wake up in the night it is because He is actually waking us because He has something to say! I'm making it a practice to be still and listen to Him during those times. Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  30. Too bad you can't put the tea pot on automatic! I know that coffee drinkers do that...but do they make tea/hot water machines that turn on at a certain time? That would be a great way to motivate yourself to get up early! I know for me...I need the coffee! lol Blessings, Tracy!

    ReplyDelete

Join the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)