People around the globe are taking to social media, flaunting their latest badge of distinction—membership in The 5 a.m. Club.
It’s inspired by a challenge from best-selling author and motivational speaker Robin Sharma to wake up at 5 a.m. for 66 days to develop habits for greater productivity.
“Join The 5 a.m Club. Your most valuable hours are 5 a.m. – 8 a.m. They have the least interruptions,” he says.
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, and dozens of other successful leaders past and present are known for using this special time of day to exercise, plan, meditate, and reflect.
Great men and women of the faith throughout history also regularly rose early—to spend quiet time with God. Before moving into their tasks for the day, they used the early morning solitude to read the Bible, pray, and set their hearts in His presence.
Nineteenth century Methodist minister E.M. Bounds wrote:
“If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day.”
In the Bible, David says “Early will I seek You.” Daniel and Job had daily quiet times of prayer. Jesus often went out early in the morning to seek silence and pray.
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35)
While we often picture the Son of God moving among crowds and ministering to many people, he too found it necessary to commune with God in solitude, thereby preparing and recharging his heart to touch others with the Father’s love.
So it is with us also.
Establishing quiet times in His presence is necessary for anyone who wants a close, intimate relationship with God.
Jesus instructs us:
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
David also knew the blessing of abiding in God’s presence:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)
Do you have a regular morning appointment with God?
Whether it’s at 5 a.m. or later, whether you have fifteen minutes or two hours—the main thing is to meet Him in that secret place to start the day—giving praise and honor to Him.
As the shepherd leads the sheep, invite Christ to go before you into the day, and help you stay close and follow. Those who draw near to the shepherd learn to recognize and hear His voice.
Sitting quietly in His presence our souls are refreshed and refocused; we receive His peace, and our hearts still to hear Him.
Could there be any better way to start the day?
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
For more on how to incorporate quiet time with God into your life, see chapter 16 of Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ. (Also available here.)
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been wanting to start getting up earlier in the morning, even if it means going to bed a little earlier. Your post just convinced me why I need to start doing this now.
Earlier to bed and earlier to rise. Makes a man more likely to follow the Lord thru the day!
Good advice! Thanks Ken.
I have learnt greatly from your posts, God bless you.
Thanks Christopher! Blessings to you and your family in Zambia.
I agree. The morning is best for me. Of course, God hears at any hour from the believing heart. But I like to start my day with prayer. God bless you, Cheryl!
Me too, Lisa. Bounds’ quote I’ve found to be true. If I don’t start the day with God, it’s unlikely I’ll think of Him much later on in the day.