Genesis 19:27 Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord.
‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise’. – Benjamin Franklin
Research has proved that “The pre-midnight sleep seems to bring about the most powerful repair to the brain and body. It sets the body into a good rhythm and better daytime rhythm.” Tuning the body clock to go to bed before midnight and waking up early enumerates many health benefits. The article on “Science Behind Morning Wakefulness and Nighttime Sleepiness” lists about nine benefits and among them are eating healthy, regular exercise, stress free life and positive attitudes. King David was an early-bird. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3). Heaven offers ‘Early-Bird Specials’ to those who have a discipline of waking up early and waiting on the Lord before they plunge into the chores and chaos of the day.
Abraham was 99 years old in Genesis 19. The elderly gentleman woke up early in the morning to meet with God and the Lord God shared secrets with him. They talked about politics and the atrocities of the neighboring nations and the Lord also told him about His plan to destroy the perverted nations Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham interceded for the righteous and pleaded for his nephew Lot, ‘early in the morning’. Early-bird Abraham went on to live for 175 years. Back in those days sunset was supper time and the body clock switched off at dusk. They had no electricity, no internet or entertainment to keep them awake all night but they also had no doctors, hospitals or medication and ironically they lived younger and longer!
Early-birds Specials:
1. Focus: Studies have proven that sleeping early and waking up early improves concentration and memory power. In addition, those who wake up early get the focus of Heaven’s floodlight shining on them. “Those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17b). As heaven rejoices over early-bird worshippers, hell trembles at a disciplined child of God who seeks God early in the morning.
2. Flavour: Spending time with God rubs the flavour of God over our lives. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). When we learn to put God first, the rest follows.
3. Favour: Seeking the Lord early in the morning and making Him our priority unfurls the favour of God over our life. Psalm 5 lists the blessings that follow those who seek Him early. God’s protection, His provision and His favour rests on those who prioritize the Lord.
The early-bird benefits extend beyond the physical, psychological and emotional; and encompass us with the focus, flavour and favour of God.
Psalm 63:1a “O GOD, You are my God; Early will I seek You”. My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, help me to become an early-bird and receive the privileges and perks of your focus, flavour and favour over me. Amen.
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