The Gift Of Morning...And The Book Of Jeremiah

The still, the quiet, the calm...how I treasure my mornings! I crave and covet them. I don't want to let go of the peace that comes as dawn is awaking. "Don't go yet early morning, just stay with me a little while longer." Mornings are a gift to me, especially as a mom. Let me reiterate that I am not a morning person, but I'm learning to make myself one (with the help of coffee that is!) because I long for true rest and refreshment, and I know I can only get that from the Lord, and He graciously gives it each day as I come before Him. As I'm working on getting up between 5 and 5:30 AM, I have realized the importance of "bedtime." I am naturally a night owl, but since I've been getting up early, I crash in bed at night around 10 PM and it feels wonderful! Thank you God for mornings!

This particular morning, as I sat on my couch, "cozied" up with my bible, journal, devotional, and cup of warm coffee, I decided to start reading the book of Jeremiah. I have never read it before, but after reading the first three chapters, I am hooked! The truths I am gleaning about God's character - His patience, perseverance, graciousness, forgiveness - is bringing me back to the basics: His love for His people.

"But My people have changed their glory for that which does not profit...my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:11-13

"But in the time of their trouble they will say, 'arise and save us.' But where are your gods which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble..." Jeremiah 2:27,28

"Return faithless Israel, declares the LORD; I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious, declares the LORD your God...Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:12,13,15

Can you relate with the people of Israel? I can! How many times I have turned to other "gods," only to cry out to God in my distress, or failures, or emptiness. How many times I have turned to broken cisterns that just leave me parched. And yet, He is so gracious to "take me back," to forgive me, to love me, and to gently lead me back to where I can find living water. I have played the "harlot" so many times, going after other loves instead of committing to my true love, Jesus Christ. This morning, I am reminded of how faithful and good my God is. He pursues me and longs to be pursued by me. He initiates, I respond.

Today, ask yourself, "Am I being filled with living water, or hewing for myself broken cisterns that hold no water?"


Alas, a child stirs, the sun lifts higher, and the day begins. It's good. I know I have been blessed with a husband to make a lunch for, children to cuddle with, and home to bring life to.

Let's begin.