What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you wake up in the morning?  I encourage you to discipline yourself to make it a Bible verse and I have one to suggest: Deuteronomy 4:39, which says, “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”  

These are great words to wake up to. With all of the turmoil and trouble in the world it can be a great comfort and encouragement to start the day by acknowledging the maker of heaven and earth. Whether God has given you a position of prominence or has you serving him in obscurity you do well to start the day by “acknowledging” him. Consider the message in the words of this short but powerful verse.

To acknowledge God means to put him first; to grant him his rightful supremacy over all you have and are. It’s to recognize that he really does have everything under control.

To acknowledge God is to testify that you want to do things his way, not your way; that you are seeking and submitting to his sovereign will.  That he alone is God and deserves your submission and allegiance.

To acknowledge God is to certify that your goal in life is to bring him glory, testifying that he has done great things for you.  He is the author and finisher of your faith and he has made known to you the path of life.

As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “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.”  Because God is gracious, compassionate, and faithful we should begin each day by acknowledging him.

“Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below.  There is no other.” Amen