This message is to anyone, especially my friends who know me and are doing life with me. “When was the last time you woke up feeling good?”
I have been retired for about 16 months, and I do not remember a single day when I woke up feeling good. Most mornings I would have to force myself to get out of bed to get ready for the day.
I woke up this morning feeling tired and wanted to go back to bed, but these words kept ringing in my ears: “Early will I seek you.” I have heard these words before, and it took me to Psalm 63, a psalm of David when he was in the wilderness. David was seeking after God and was saying, "My soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water" (vs. 1-2). After reading it, I was greatly encouraged.
Living through the senior years of life has many challenges - it is a journey of looking up to God for strength every day. Times of clinging to God in prayer, 'Lord, I'm tired, give me new strength, fresh hope, renew my heart, my desires for you. It's a learning time of seeking God on a whole new level.
Psalm 63: This psalm is often referred to as a "psalm of longing" and is traditionally attributed to King David during his time in the wilderness of Judah. David compares his need for God to the desperation one would feel in a dry, waterless land. It expresses a deep yearning for God's presence - for someone who fully satisfies him.
Early Morning Prayer: Many spiritual traditions emphasise the importance of early morning prayer or meditation. In Christianity, seeking God early in the morning is seen as a way to start the day with a focus on spiritual growth and connection to God.
Retirement and Well-being: Studies have shown that maintaining a sense of purpose and engaging in meaningful activities can significantly improve well-being during retirement. Spiritual practices, hobbies, and social connections are all important factors.
Wilderness Symbolism: In many religious texts, the wilderness is a place of testing, transformation, and encounter with God. It represents both physical and spiritual challenges, as well as opportunities for growth and renewal.
God has a plan for each of us, no matter how young or old we are. And we need to encourage each other along the journey. The scripture above reminded me that there are benefits to spending time with God early in the day. We will find God no matter what wilderness we’re in.
God bless you as you seek Him!
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Readings: studyandobey.com; biblehub.com
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