Christian Living: How Do You Wait on the Lord Before the Day Starts?
- Boundless Team
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Before the first notification pings and before the weight of your to-do list settles on your shoulders, there is a sacred window of time that can change everything.
How Do You Wait on the Lord Before the Day Starts?
Waiting on the Lord in the morning is a deliberate act of spiritual stillness where you prioritize God’s presence over the world’s demands. By practicing silence and meditating on Scripture for even five minutes before checking your phone, you align your heart with His peace and strength.
The 5 AM Choice: Presence Over Pressure
For many of us in Memphis and across our global Boundless community, the morning feels like a race we’ve already lost. We wake up to a barrage of emails, news headlines, and the internal pressure to "get things done." But there is a different way to start.
The spiritual discipline of waiting on the Lord isn't about doing nothing; it is about actively positioning yourself to receive from the only Source that can truly sustain you. It is the practice of letting God have the first word of your day.
The Biblical Foundation for Waiting
The Bible doesn't describe waiting as a passive delay, but as a source of supernatural energy. When we wait, we are not wasting time; we are being refilled.
1. Renewed Strength (Isaiah 40:31) "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." In the original Hebrew, the word "wait" (qavah) implies a binding together, like the strands of a rope. When you wait on Him, you are weaving your weakness into His strength.
2. Courageous Trust (Psalm 27:14) "Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" Waiting requires courage because it forces us to stop trying to control outcomes. It is an admission that He is God and we are not.
3. New Mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23) "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Every sunrise is a physical reminder that God’s grace is reset. You don't have to carry yesterday’s failures into today.
Key Terms to Understand
As we explore this morning discipline, it’s helpful to ground ourselves in a few biblical concepts:
Term | Biblical Definition |
Sanctification | The ongoing process of being set apart for God’s purposes and becoming more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. |
Discipleship | The lifelong journey of following Jesus, learning His ways, and intentionally growing in faith within a community of believers. |
Repentance | A change of mind and heart that leads to a change of direction, turning away from self and toward God. |
A Practical 5-Minute "Waiting" Practice
You don't need an hour of uninterrupted solitude to begin. If you are an early riser or someone just trying to find peace before the kids wake up, try this simple 5-minute rhythm:
Silence (1 Minute): Find a quiet spot. Put your phone in another room. Simply sit. Recognize that God is in the room with you.
Open Palms (1 Minute): Rest your hands on your lap with your palms facing up. This physical posture signals to your brain and heart that you are ready to receive what God has for you and let go of what you cannot control.
Deep Breathing (1 Minute): Breathe in slowly, acknowledging His grace. Breathe out, releasing your anxiety. You might whisper, "Lord Jesus, I am here. I am listening."
Scripture Meditation (1 Minute): Pick one of the verses mentioned above. Read it slowly three times. Let the words sink past your intellect and into your soul.
Prayer of Surrender (1 Minute): End with a simple prayer. "Father, I give this day to You. Lead my thoughts, my words, and my steps. Amen."
Why Waiting Matters in the 901 and Beyond
Whether you are navigating the morning commute on I-40 in Memphis or joining us for service through Boundless Online Church from halfway across the world, the need for spiritual grounding is the same.
In our Memphis community, we see families juggling multiple jobs, students facing academic pressure, and leaders carrying heavy responsibilities. When we wait on the Lord, we aren't just practicing a "self-care" routine; we are engaging in a spiritual survival tactic. We are ensuring that the version of us that enters the world is the version that has first been sat at the feet of Jesus.
Transformation Over Traffic
The goal of this discipline is not to check a box. The goal is transformation. Traffic, whether it's on the road or in your mind, will always be there. But when you have spent those few minutes waiting on the Lord, you move through the noise with a quiet confidence that doesn't belong to the world.
As a Spirit-filled community, we believe that the Holy Spirit is ready to meet you at 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, or whenever your eyes first open. He is the Comforter who guides us into all truth and the One who empowers us to live out the Gospel in our neighborhoods and digital spaces.
What is the one thing you usually reach for first in the morning, and what would happen if you reached for the Lord instead?
We’d Love to Connect With You
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person at First Assembly Memphis. Our community is a place where you can find rest, strength, and a family of faith. 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area, traveling, or unable to attend in person, you are a vital part of our Boundless Online Church family. Join us for live-streamed worship, digital small groups, and a community that spans the globe. 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
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