I Will Awaken the Dawn
Darci J. Steiner, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
Andrew Murray, in his book Abiding in Christ, teaches discerning insights on living day by day. He compares the “morning hour” to the Israelites’ collection of manna in the early morning hours when God provided manna (bread) for them.
“The day’s portion [of manna], enough for the day, was given to Israel in the morning very early. The portion was for use and nourishment during the whole day, but the giving and the getting of it was the morning’s work. This suggests how greatly the power to abide all the day in Jesus depends on the morning hour… it is only when the believer in the morning secures his quiet time in secret to effectively renew loving fellowship with his Savior that abiding in Christ can be kept up all day… Christ is his manna, his nourishment, his strength, and his life; … And so the Christian life grows; as we give our whole heart to the work of each day. And so each day separately, all the day continually, and day by day successively, we abide in Jesus.”1
When David was hiding in caves, he was busy worshiping the Lord, writing psalms, discipling and teaching his army of men, preparing for battle, and hunting for food. His safe place was hiding in the protective, loving arms of God. His trust in God was evident through his praise of Him, rising early to begin his day just like the Israelites did when they felt the daily dependence on God for survival. Their sustenance came from the Lord. They were taught to focus on the day and trust that tomorrow’s issues would be handled tomorrow.
This daily dependence on the Lord is taught in the New Testament in Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34. How do you feel about these verses? How can you practically live them?
Why is it so hard for us to focus on today only? Worrying about the day sabotages our peace, and many of us never get our daily time with the Lord. Or, if we do, we hurry through a devotion and feel good that we’ve checked a box. David had a busy life, too. But he awakened the dawn with song and thorough devotion. There are no cutting corners in those words—he is full-on abiding! Take the time daily to abide in God, too. Blessed are those who watch and listen for him (Pr. 8:34). Meditate on the following verses:
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Lk. 9:23).
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly (Ps. 5:3).
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens (Ps. 68:19).
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread (Pr. 30:8).
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (La. 3:22-23).
Andrew Murray elaborates further about daily dependence on God:
“Many a soul is upset with the thought as to how it will be able to gather and to keep the manna needed... It has not learned what unspeakable comfort there is in the word enough for that day. That word completely takes away all care for tomorrow. Only today is yours; tomorrow is the Father’s… Manna, as your food and strength, is given only by the day; to faithfully fill the present is your only security for the future. Accept, enjoy, and fulfill with your whole heart the part you have to perform this day. His presence and grace enjoyed today will remove all doubt as to whether you can entrust tomorrow to Him too.”2
Every morning, you have a fresh beginning. Will you awaken the dawn with praise or stay hidden in your cave (home), dissatisfied and distressed? Rejoice! There is One who has already paid your debt on the cross.
Psalm 57 concentrates on David’s trust in the Lord rather than his troubles with Saul. Stay focused on the Lord by depending on His precepts in His Word. They are there for our instruction and daily joy.
Holy, holy, holy!
Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning
Our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy!
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons
Blessed Trinity
Holy, Holy, Holy
Songwriters: Reginald Heber/John B Dykes
Public Domain
PRAYER
Father, today, help me abide in You. You are my sustainer and provider. I will focus on today only. Please open Your hand so I may place tomorrow in Your care. When tomorrow comes, I will awaken the dawn not with a yawn but with a song. I’m ready to praise You with all that I am. I love You.
1 Murray, A. (2003). In Abiding in Christ (pp. 89–90). Bethany House Publishers.
2 Murray, A. (2003). In Abiding in Christ (p. 87). Bethany House Publishers.
