Productivity gurus will tell you, “Show me your morning, and I’ll show you who you are.” There’s much wisdom in building a morning routine that sets up your day (and attitude) for success. Their advice might include waking up earlier, drinking lemon water, exercising, and eating a high-protein breakfast. These practices will certainly help your body and brain feel better. But how do you get your soul ready for the day? How do you nurture and care for the hidden person of your heart—the eternal part of you?
According to recent studies, around 89% of us check our phones within 10 minutes of waking up, and we reach for our phones an average of 144 times a day. Often, what we’re reaching for is more than information and connection; we’re looking for significance. We want to know that we matter, and there’s hope for us beyond the here and now.
Friend, if that’s you and you’re searching and scrolling for hope, God’s Word is the only place that will satisfy your longing. Morning routines are great, and I commend one to you, which includes meditating and enjoying God’s Word—but how well you keep one doesn’t define you. The Word tells us who we are, not our routines or whatever messages we receive through our phones.
How would your outlook change if you reached for God’s Word before your phone? Consider printing off this list of verses and meditating on the truths they contain to start your day.
20 Bible Verses to Start Your Day
- John 3:16 (ESV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
- 1 John 4:9-10 (ESV)
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
- Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
- Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
- Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
- James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
- Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
- Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
- Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
- Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Your soul’s primary business
George Müller, the 19th-century champion of orphans in Bristol, England, famously said, “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.” Soul happiness is not a one-time achievement; it is a daily pursuit. One that doesn’t exclude discipline but uses discipline as a means of providing grace.
As our souls’ happiness in the Lord increases, we might push back on the productivity gurus. Instead of, “Show me your morning, and I’ll show you who you are,” we can say, “Show me your soul’s happiness, and I’ll show you whose you are.” This is Christians’ great and primary business: to start and end our days happy in the Lord.
Cara
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