Waking Up with Hope

Do you feel full of gratitude upon awaking in the morning or do you wonder how you will get through the day?

My friend, Shirley, didn’t like hearing the birds sing in the morning. She knew if birds were singing, she had gotten drunk during the night. Shirley was an alcoholic. When a jail chaplain introduced Shirley to Jesus Christ, she accepted Him as her Savior.

Shirley attended Bible studies and drug and alcohol classes, eventually kicking her substance-abuse habits. After her release, Shirley found a job where she has been promoted twice. In May 2001, Shirley received an award from her church for excelling in active participation.

Now, instead of hating to hear the birds sing, Shirley feels like singing with them. “I wake up to a new life in Jesus,” she says.

In Ps.57:8 the Psalmist awakens his soul and instruments, that they in turn may awaken the morning and the world may be filled with testimony.

“Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre, I will awaken the dawn!” NIV

Ask God to make each day a fresh experience in trusting Him.

Take care.