What Shapes the Start of Your Day?
What Shapes the Start of Your Day?
Have you ever woken up already feeling behind? The weight of unfinished tasks, relational tensions, or the pressure to “do better” can hit before you’ve even had your coffee. It’s in those early moments—foggy-headed and soul-weary—that we often start believing lies: I’m not enough. I have to prove myself today. God must be disappointed in me.
But what if your day didn’t have to begin with guilt or pressure? What if you could start with grace?
In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
That’s a bold, beautiful truth. If you are in Christ, your day begins not in deficit, but in delight. You’re not trying to earn God’s love or prove your worth. You wake up already accepted, already loved, already seen.
Years ago, I shared a simple set of daily reminders in one of my earliest blog posts here at Calvary. I didn’t know then how often I’d come back to them myself. These practices still help anchor me in the gospel—and I hope they do the same for you. 1.
These rhythms are more than just habits—they’re part of being formed by the gospel each day. At Calvary, we talk about being disciples who are actively growing through Engaging with God’s Word, Evangelising those around us, Establishing our faith, and Equipping one another to serve. These reminders do just that. They help us stay rooted in the truth of the gospel and live it out in everyday life.
So here’s a question for you:
What is forming you today—fear, performance, or the grace of Jesus?
Takeaway:
Tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, take 60 seconds to remind yourself of Romans 8:1. Say it out loud if you need to. Let your first thought be this: “I am in Christ. There is no condemnation. Today begins in grace.”
You might be surprised how differently the rest of the day unfolds.
[1] Taken and adapted from Lauterbach, M. (2012, December 8). Gospel Reminders Anyone Can Do. Retrieved December 17, 2012, from Gospel Shaped Living: http://www.gloryofgodinchrist.com/2012/12/08/gospel-reminders-anyone-can-do/
Have you ever woken up already feeling behind? The weight of unfinished tasks, relational tensions, or the pressure to “do better” can hit before you’ve even had your coffee. It’s in those early moments—foggy-headed and soul-weary—that we often start believing lies: I’m not enough. I have to prove myself today. God must be disappointed in me.
But what if your day didn’t have to begin with guilt or pressure? What if you could start with grace?
In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
That’s a bold, beautiful truth. If you are in Christ, your day begins not in deficit, but in delight. You’re not trying to earn God’s love or prove your worth. You wake up already accepted, already loved, already seen.
Years ago, I shared a simple set of daily reminders in one of my earliest blog posts here at Calvary. I didn’t know then how often I’d come back to them myself. These practices still help anchor me in the gospel—and I hope they do the same for you. 1.
- Begin the day remembering that Christ died for your sins. You are fully accepted by God because of Jesus. Today begins in grace.
- Remind yourself that God is at work in you. Every moment, every challenge is used by his Spirit to make you more like Christ.
- Ask for the Spirit’s help. Invite him to help you please God—and when you sin, be quick to admit it and turn back to him.
- Go about your day with purpose. You’re not alone; you walk with your Father.
- Pause when you can. Re-centre your heart in God’s favour and his ongoing work in you.
- End your day in grace. Acknowledge your sins, hide in Christ’s sacrifice, and rest in God’s unchanging favour.
- Thank God for his Spirit’s work. Celebrate his grace that carried you, and trust he will finish what he started.
These rhythms are more than just habits—they’re part of being formed by the gospel each day. At Calvary, we talk about being disciples who are actively growing through Engaging with God’s Word, Evangelising those around us, Establishing our faith, and Equipping one another to serve. These reminders do just that. They help us stay rooted in the truth of the gospel and live it out in everyday life.
So here’s a question for you:
What is forming you today—fear, performance, or the grace of Jesus?
Takeaway:
Tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, take 60 seconds to remind yourself of Romans 8:1. Say it out loud if you need to. Let your first thought be this: “I am in Christ. There is no condemnation. Today begins in grace.”
You might be surprised how differently the rest of the day unfolds.
[1] Taken and adapted from Lauterbach, M. (2012, December 8). Gospel Reminders Anyone Can Do. Retrieved December 17, 2012, from Gospel Shaped Living: http://www.gloryofgodinchrist.com/2012/12/08/gospel-reminders-anyone-can-do/
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