Getting Out of Bed

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Do you have trouble getting up in the morning? I do. I'm one of these people who just loves the feel of warm cotton sheets and the idea of closing my eyes "for just a couple of more minutes". And that's on my good days. On the mornings that I'm scared of what lies ahead -- an exam or an interaction with a difficult person - or am stressed about not being able to accomplish the many, many things that need to be done, it's not the warmth of my bed that is pulling me back but the desire to retreat and hide out from my day.The other morning as I laid in bed trying to rouse myself, I thought of Jesus on the day He was betrayed. What did he think of on that Thursday morning as He woke up? He knew what was coming; "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." (Matt. 26:2) Did He have trouble getting out of bed?We don't know. What we do know is that Scripture reveals a range of emotions that Jesus experienced in light of the suffering He went through in order to atone for our sins.Later on that Thursday, Jesus was in Gethsemane and "began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death ," he said to them." (Mark 14:33b-34a)He repeatedly asked God the Father to take "this cup" away but willingly submitted to His Father's will (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44).How did He make it through? Hebrews 12:2 sheds some light on this question:"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."Jesus was able to endure because He knew His suffering wasn't the end of the story. It was redemptive. Things were going to get better. Joy was coming!Whatever you are facing today, be assured Jesus can relate. If not to the circumstances, then to the desire to not have to go through the suffering that accompanies obeying God.Since He can relate to you, open yourself up to relating to Him. To acknowledging His presence with you. To receiving His strength. As you face your morning, rejoice in the newness of His mercy (Lamenations 3:22-23), the sufficiency of His grace (2 Cor 12:9), and the promise of His ultimate redemption (Rev. 21:1-5) and then go for it - get out of bed!

Comments

  1. LianneJune 30, 2009 at 9:38 PM

    Thanks Tracy. I know what it's like to not want to get out of bed because of some looming disaster, but that's not where I'm at these days (thank God). My current challenge is having to face a day with too little to do ... my life lacks structure and purpose. As I read the devotional I replaced "suffering" with "waiting" ... "I am able to endure because I know this waiting isn't the end of the story. It is redemptive. Things are going to get better. Joy (and purpose and structure) is coming!" God will lead me into a more purposeful existence in His time and according to His plan. My part of the deal is to face every day with an energetic and optimistic outlook. And to get out of bed.

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  2. TracyJune 30, 2009 at 11:48 PM

    Lianne, we will be praying for you - specifically for purpose and structure in your life. Let me also encourage you to be open to the unplanned opportunities for service that the Lord brings about in your day. Whether they are part of a regular routine or just happen once, they are all part of "the good works God prepared in advance for us to do".

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  3. jessJuly 1, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    hi Everyone!

    This was very powerful to me, because I HATE getting out of bed in the morning. And while I love my job, I'm not a morning person and 5:45 comes way too early most mornings.

    Heb. 12:2 is a powerful verse for me, because I'm at a stage in my life where I don't know what the next steps are, and it is good to remember to rely on Jesus. I'm going to work on memorizing this verse this week. And meditating on it when I start to worry.

    Thanks Tracy! I'm looking forward to your next blog entry!

    PS - Happy Canada Day Everyone! Especially Lianne ;)

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  4. LianneJuly 1, 2009 at 1:46 PM

    Thanks for the encouragement. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining (I've done enough of that to last three lifetimes!) ... in fact, I'm excited about what lies ahead, just out of view. I like Jess' emphasis on Hebrews 12:2 - great verse. I also like Phil.3:12, specifically this: "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." I like it because it reminds me that Christ Jesus reached out, grabbed me, and has been holding on TIGHT for a reason ... finding and living this reason is my daily challenge. I know it cost Christ dearly to take hold of me, so I sometimes wonder why His purpose in doing so isn't more obvious (especially in the more mundane moments of life).

    On a practical note ... Hugh and I have started running/walking together in the morning. In order to do this before he leaves for work we're getting up at 5:45 AM. Aside from the fact we're doing it together, I like it because it reminds me of the days when I got up at this time out of routine and necessity. Believe it or not, it's a helpful kickstart to my day and I'm actually becoming more productive in all areas of my life - my devotions, job search, housework, etc. And, if I ever do get a job, I'll already be in the habit of getting up in the wee hours of the morning!

    HAPPY CANADA DAY. I wore my "Canada" t-shirt to my golf lesson this morning (and I didn't totally embarrass my home and native land). Better yet, Hugh and I are treating ourselves to a "Canada Day" ice cream cone tonight (any excuse will do).

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