Psalm 143:8 - Jeannie Waters, Writer & Speaker

Banish the Morning Blues and Celebrate Each Day with the Psalmists

October 15, 2023Jeannie Waters34 Comments

Local friends, please read the invitation at the conclusion of this post and RSVP. Thank you.

When you hear, “She got up on the wrong side of the bed,” you know someone displayed grouchy behavior. How can we start our days on the right side and banish the morning blues? Let’s start by celebrating each day with morning prayers from God’s Word.

Even if we don’t display grouchy behavior, life’s circumstances can cloud our attitude as soon as we wake up unless “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV) and focus on God.

Let’s celebrate each morning as a gift from Him—because it is. When we begin the day with our focus on our heavenly Father, the early minutes become golden opportunities to praise and worship Him and to seek His guidance for the day.

News reports, illness, and other difficult situations weigh on our minds, but sharing our burdens with the God of all comfort gives us peace. Reading the Bible reminds us of who He is—our holy, faithful, omnipotent Father who is filled with love and kindness.

News reports, illness, and other difficult situations weigh on our minds, but sharing our burdens with the God gives us peace. Share on X

Here’s a collection of some morning prayers from the Psalms. You could mark them in your Bible, type them into a phone app, or write them on cards. This practice will likely lead to reading and praying entire chapters in this marvelous book.

Morning Prayers

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. –Psalm 143:8

I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. –Psalm 130:6a

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. –Psalm 90:14

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. –Psalm 59:16

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. –Psalm 119:147

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. –Psalm 19:14

A morning promise:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. –Lamentations 3:22-23

Here’s another verse that helps us evaluate our thoughts and keep them sunny throughout the day. Paul’s message to the Philippians helps us focus our thoughts from one sunrise to the next.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. –Philippians 4:8

This evening verse will help us rest well and get up the next morning on the right side the next morning.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. –Psalm 4:8

*All Scripture verses are taken from the NIV.

After you read the verses, share with us a favorite from the list or your favorite verse or chapter that helps you banish the blues and celebrate each day as a gift from God.

Local friends, you’re invited. You may buy books for yourself or for Christmas gifts or bring one you’ve already purchased if you want it signed. We’ll enjoy light refreshments and decorated tables. Plan to join the celebration and please RSVP to Jeannie@JeannieWaters.com. I hope to see you October 29!

Incorporate Four P’s into a New Season of Learning with God

August 9, 2022Jeannie Waters24 Comments

Although I chuckled at my kindergarten students’ responses, I counted their eagerness to listen as a predictor of learner success.

Years ago, I’d designed a lesson on evaporation. The five-year-olds noticed the water level in our uncovered classroom aquarium was lower than usual. I asked, “What do you think happened to the water?”

Stacey guessed I’d scooped some out, and Adrian asked if the aquarium had leaked. Then Brian bounced up and down and yelled, “I know, I know. The fish drank it.”

Stephanie folded her arms and said, “No, they didn’t, Brian. Mrs. Waters, tell us what really happened to the water.” Twenty-five little wiggly bodies paused, tilted their faces toward mine, and waited for an answer.

What if we began each day, hearts tilted toward Jesus, our Teacher, with the enthusiasm of my kindergarten students?

At this time of year, students and teachers prepare to meet new challenges. Each season of learning requires an eager mind set and determination to discover truth.

You and I may not enroll in a class this month, but when the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Filled with enthusiasm for learning, we can ask God to transform our hearts as we study the Bible.

When the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Share on X

Let’s pray each morning with the psalmist,

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:18 NKJV*

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God? Sharpen your pencils and note any verses or ideas below that resonate with you.

Four P’s for Eager Students of God’s Word

1. Pray.

We can ask God to teach us what we need to learn. He may remind us of a lesson we’ve forgotten, lead us into deeper study of a familiar passage, or show us verses we haven’t studied before. I like to pray words of Scripture like these:

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8

2. Prepare your heart.

Receptive students who understand the relevance of a lesson learn best. When we humble ourselves and admit our need for God’s daily guidance, our hearts open to His teaching. He promises to forgive confessed sin and instruct us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Psalm 32:8

3. Position yourself to listen.

Jesus’ followers and curious bystanders gathered to listen when He taught on the hillsides. Surely, their homes and occupations held numerous tasks, but they paused and positioned themselves to hear Jesus speak.

When Jesus visited the home of Lazarus, Martha complained about Mary’s failure to help with meal preparation. Jesus honored Mary’s choice to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching (Luke 10:38-42).

Mary, the disciples, and the hillside crowd shouldered daily responsibilities like we do. The stance or location matters not, but we each need time to meet with God. What’s the best time and place for you?

4. Ponder biblical lessons you learn.

Meditate on the verses or passages you study and record in a journal what God teaches you. Ask Him to transform your heart with His Word.

James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Ponder these questions:

How will I obey His words and honor Him today?
How will my walk with Jesus change because of this passage?
In what ways will my study lead to a more victorious life with Christ?
Armed with Truth, how will the Light of Jesus shine from my life this week?
How will the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, help me fight spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:11-17)?

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God?

Let us hear from you

Won’t you contribute to our “class discussion?” The Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron,” to remind us we need each other.

What makes you eager to learn from God? How do you tune your ears and position yourself to hear from Him each day? We’re eager to hear your answers.

*All verses are taken from the NKJV.

Would you like to pray for students and teachers as they begin a new school year? Here’s a former blog post on the topic: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/three-ways-you-can-influence-the-lives-of-hundreds-pray-for-schools-in-your-community/

How to Delight in God’s Daily Walk Invitation with a Powerful RSVP

June 14, 2022Jeannie Waters30 Comments

How does your morning begin? After I’ve hit the snooze button once or twice, I glance out a bedroom window. If the sun is up, I admire its light filtering through one of our tree’s big green leaves.

The sight reminds me the Light of the World wants to shine through my life, and He invites me to walk with Him through a new day of adventures.

The thoughts prompt memories of the times my family rounded the last curve in the long country driveway to spend the day with my parents. Daddy, who’d been standing on the porch to wait for us, would wear a broad smile when he hurried to the car to welcome his children and grandchildren.

Imagine our heavenly Father standing on the porch of heaven before He illuminates the sky with warm light and paints splashes of color in the eastern sky. I imagine God stretching out His arms in anticipation of sharing the day He has made with His beloved child.

He doesn’t reach out to us from obligation or duty. His invitation is born of love, unconditional love. Love that sent His only Son to die for you and me.

Whether we bounce up with gusto in the morning, or roll out slowly, we can proclaim,

“This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 NKJV

Our heavenly Father knows we need Him, and each morning He waits and beckons us to spend the day with Him.

Our heavenly Father knows we need Him, and each morning He waits and beckons us to spend the day with Him. Share on X

My favorite morning prayer often serves as my RSVP to God’s invitation.

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8 NKJV

Let’s consider the powerful RSVP strategies below to help us react with joy.

How to RSVP to God’s Daily Walk Invitation

R Respond to His invitation. We can respond to God

with love because He first loved us.

with awe because He is Almighty God.

with our questions which He welcomes.

with thanksgiving for generous blessings.

in repentance when His Spirit convicts us of sin.

with obedience which demonstrates love for Him.

with the delight of a beloved child placing her hand in her Father’s.

S Spend time with Him at His invitation

in service to others as He leads us.

in worship and praise as we ponder His attributes.

in laughter when the joy of Jesus bubbles up in our hearts.

in prayer, an engaged conversation throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

in His Word filled with wise counsel and fresh revelation to apply to our lives.

V Value what He values

by trusting Him.

by using our spiritual gifts to serve others.

by helping a person in need (Hebrews 13:6).

by living for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

by giving our money, possessions, time, and talents.

by telling someone about our daily walk with Jesus and His grace and mercy.

by remembering to “Do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 NKJV).

P Proclaim truths from His Word.

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23 NLT).

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NKJV).

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8 NKJV).

“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill. For the Lord our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9 NKJV).

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11 NKJV).

Like the way my dad delighted in our family spending time with him, God delights in our acceptance of His invitation to walk with Him each day. Our powerful RSVP of “Yes, Lord,” fills our hearts with His peace and joy, helps us enjoy His presence, and honors our Father in heaven.

How does God invite you to join Him and remind you of His presence? Please share the ways you walk with Him through your day.

Embrace the New Day with Joy and Prayer

October 14, 2020Jeannie Waters24 Comments

I’m a “wannabe” morning person. How about you? Do you bounce up early, eager to get started? Or are you sliding under the comforter after midnight?

By nature I’m a night owl who’s trying hard to convert. I’d like to see more of God’s glorious colors painted across the eastern sky when a new day begins.

Three hundred and sixty-five times per year, God wraps a new day with fresh air and promises. Whether the package includes the sun’s rays streaming through the trees or rumbling thunder in an ominous sky, each twenty-four-hour period represents a gift.

When I wake up, I often repeat, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). The verse sets the tone for joyous gratitude.

Lest you think I spring up like Winnie-the-Pooh’s friend Tigger with extra energy and exuberance, I’ll admit my attitude on occasion is less than cheery.

When I’m tired or overwhelmed with a long to-do list, my response to the alarm clock sounds more like Pooh’s other friend, Eeyore, the forlorn donkey who sees the glass as half-empty.

On those days, as my hand reaches for the snooze button, my pillow entices me more than the smell of strong coffee. Gratitude hides deep under the covers.

Regardless of our mental state upon awakening, we can embrace each new day with gratitude for God’s gifts. After all, an additional dawn represents an opportunity to seek our heavenly Father’s will in prayer and to love and serve Him and others throughout the day.

Some believers spend concentrated time with God in the afternoon or evening. We’re all unique. As long as we engage in prayer and Bible study, we can grow in Christ regardless of the time of day. Some who have extended prayer and reading time later in the day, pray briefly in the morning to acknowledge God’s presence and gain focus.

Praying passages from the book of Psalms often jumpstarts my early moments. Focusing on God’s words pries open my sleepy mind and awakens my heart to converse with the day’s Creator. The verses below are some of my favorites.

Embrace-the-Day-with-Joy Verses to Pray

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
Psalm 59:16

But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Psalm 88:13

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.
Psalm 119:147

You may want to print the verses and add others to include in your conversations with God.

Please share how you turn “Eeyore mornings” into “Tigger days.”

Bouncing like the tiger character in the Winnie-the-Pooh story is optional (whew), but embracing the day with prayer helps us rejoice in the new morning God has made. Filled with joy, we can brighten someone else’s day.

Have a good day, dear reader friend, and enjoy time with God whether you meet with Him in the morning or evening. Thank you for your comments.

Bible verses are from the ESV.

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