[Perspective] Good morning, God

Paul Williams, pastor at First Baptist Church in White Hall, is currently serving as president of the executive board of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

My office window faces east overlooking the large front lawn of our church. A benefit of this view is the morning scene of God’s sunrise. The colorful glow of the rays bouncing on the morning clouds paint the sky with shades of blue and orange. That scene moves me spiritually. It reminds me this day is going to be a good day and I want to say, “Good morning, God.” 

Throughout my early years of Christianity, I was taught to always start each new day with a time with God. I was encouraged to read Scripture, pray, and focus on the goodness of God. It was a time to ensure priorities were arranged correctly. It was time to be encouraged.  

Watching the sun rise over the horizon is a beautiful moment to experience. People begin to move about. Birds are singing a morning song. Creatures investigate their surroundings to sniff out anything new. On clear mornings, the air brings a fresh, crisp aroma. I feel something new. 

The new morning creates freedom to start again. I have found over the years this freedom does not come so easily. I allow my day and my schedule to direct my focus and priorities. The battle for time begins as soon as my mind begins to stir. The temptation is to start my day with lists, responsibilities, rules, obligations, and deadlines. This is not a beautiful experience. We are all faced with similar battles. 

However, a morning sunrise is a glimpse of God. The sky tapestry reminds me to stop whatever I am about to do or think and just reflect. This is when I must say, “Good morning God.” It is this moment I remember Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I have a moment, however brief it is, to feel free of worry, busyness, anxiety, or fear. It brings me to accept my inability to control. It reminds me of the power of God. It prompts me to thankfulness and praise. When I have the opportunity to see a beautiful sunrise, I worship.  

These moments of freedom help me align priorities and responsibilities. It reminds me of navigating today with a renewed focus. The important things become clearer. People are viewed as meaningful relations instead of heavy responsibilities. This allows me the opportunity to have a more productive day.  

I want to challenge you to begin each new day saying, “Good morning, God.” We all greet loved ones and friends each new day. When you see God’s work, there is something about His presence that brings clarity and peace. When you find time to notice God, it brings clarity and purpose. If you are weighted down from schedules and deadlines, take a moment to see God. You must remember that God is always present. We go so fast through our day we do not stop to see the world and people around us. If we forget to see God, how are we supposed to know what God is doing. It is much like being in a car driving past a beautiful hillside and never looking out the window to experience the view. 

2 Samuel 23:4 reads, “He dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” God wants you to see His beautiful sunrise so that you will know you are free. Take a moment to say, “Good morning, God.”