Before the Dawn
Early morning musters are a treasured childhood memory. Awoken long before dawn, I stepped into the cool crisp air and walked quietly across the open fields. As the stars receded in the pre-dawn glow, life stirred. Birds tweeted their early morning song, sheep arose from slumber, and my father’s shrill whistle directed our over-keen dogs. Sounds and smells stirred my senses and awoke delight. I would watch in wonder as a golden thread spread across the mountains and enveloped the vast open sky.
The wonder of seeing the world awake nestles within my childhood memories. Even to this day, I love to rise before the dawn. My city view is no longer of a wide-open sky, or a valley enveloped with morning light, yet my heart delights to watch the dawn. It remains a special time to reflect and enjoy. Now it is my Heavenly Father, who gently calls me to join Him, in the cool night air. In His presence my heart stirs as His gentle light floods my soul. The wonder of His love envelops my heart and colours my day. Words aren’t always spoken. Often just the warmth of togetherness permeates my heart. It is the pleasure of His company that awakens my being, draws forth words of gratitude and stirs delight within.
In the psalms, David speaks of awakening the dawn with his praise (Ps. 57:8). As a shepherd, his song blessed the Lord and guided the sheep he tended. I suspect that he too loved to watch his world awaken with the dawn.
Mark 1:35 tells us that before the sun rose, Jesus would slip away to pray. Before the dawn, He would fellowship with the Father. All that He said and did, flowed out of connection with His Father (John. 5:19). Such sensitivity is ours to pursue. It is found as we spend time with the One we seek to follow.
Isaiah 50:4 speaks of being awoken morning by morning to hear as the learned. This is our early morning invite to be with the Lord and hear His heart. It is the opportunity to receive wisdom before we face the day. It is the choice to value His presence more than our comfort and rest. It is the opportunity to sit quietly with Him before life stirs and activity floods our world. Before the dawn, we savour the presence of One who floods our soul with light. We watch as He imparts the brilliance of His love, across the contours of our day.
