First thing in the morning, “let me hear of your steadfast love, Abba, for I trust in you.” (Ps.143:8)
Heavenly Father, whatever our choice of breakfast—huge, small, or skipped—keto, paleo, Mediterranean, or Sugar Pops … there’s no nutrient we need more than a fresh heaping of the Gospel. On a “Gospel-empty-stomach,” I’ll live the day as though I’m the point, not a pointer to Jesus. Without an early feast of grace, my heart will quickly drift into “muchness and many-ness”—living more like a driven spiritual-orphan than your called and beloved child.
I’ll whine more than I worship, and judge people quicker than I encourage them. I’ll get my feelings hurt easily and keep a record of wrongs meticulously. Without fresh bread-of-heaven and living water, I’ll start reaching for, as Isaiah put it, “bread that cannot satisfy or give life” (Isa.55:1-3). “Junk food” comes is numberless forms. People’s approval, happy circumstances, me succeeding at something, and etc. will be my “carbs” of choice.
When my day doesn’t start with you, Abba, I’m difficult to be around. I react selfishly to irritants and live physically present, but emotionally disconnected, from people. Disheartening world news dominates my attention more than the heart-thrilling good news of the Gospel. I get more consumed with what’s going on in my broken country than in the now-and-forever of your glorious Kingdom.
Father, because of your unfailing love for me in Jesus, I put my trust in you afresh on this July Saturday. Feed and fill me with your tender mercies, transforming grace, and sweet presence. AND give me lunch, snacks, and supper of Gospel-goodness too. So Very Amen.