Every morning I follow a simple routine that has quietly changed my life. Before I allow the world to speak to me, I allow God to do so. I spend time reading the Holy Scriptures and only after that do I unfold the morning newspapers.
It was not always this way. Years ago, the order had been in reverse. The newspaper came first and the Bible afterwards. I thought I was becoming well informed. Instead, I was becoming well worried.
The headlines marched into my mind before God ever had a chance to. Politicians stood on the front pages beating their chests as if they alone held the destiny of nations. There were wars, murders, scams, threats, economic disasters, predictions of doom and enough shouting to wake the dead.
By the time I came to my prayers, my heart had already been occupied by anxiety.
Then one day I decided to change the order.
First, God.
Then the newspapers.
The difference was astonishing.
Instead of beginning my day with men claiming to be powerful, I began it with the One who actually is.
By the time I reached the newspapers, something inside me had changed. Those towering political figures no longer seemed quite so tall. Their speeches sounded a little less frightening. Their promises became slightly amusing. Their threats lost much of their sting. I found myself smiling at these self-important gentlemen strutting across the pages as though history would stop if they did.
The Scriptures had already reminded me of a simple truth. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. Empires are built and disappear into dust. Great rulers become little paragraphs in history books. Yet God remains exactly where He has always been.
Unmoved. Unshaken. Unworried.
That changes one’s perspective.
When you have just been listening to eternity, today’s headlines become tomorrow’s fish wrapping. The men shouting into microphones suddenly resemble little boys quarrelling over who owns the biggest marble. They may pass unfair laws. They may create division. They may use the police force like their private army.
But none of them controls tomorrow’s sunrise.
Only One does.
That does not mean we stop caring about our country or close our eyes to injustice. We should vote wisely, speak courageously and stand for what is right. But we should never confuse political power with ultimate power.
So, every morning I still read the newspapers. I still keep myself informed. But first I spend time with God. It is the best way I know to keep the world in its proper perspective.
After all, once you have met the King of Kings, it becomes much easier to smile indulgently at the little men who think they are.
Try doing the same, it can change not just your day, but your life..!
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Robert Clements is a newspaper columnist and writes a daily column, which has graced the pages of over 60 newspapers and magazines, from a daily column in the Khaleej Times, Dubai, the Morning Star, London, and in nearly every state in India, from The Statesman in Kolkata, to the Kashmir Times in Kashmir to the Trinity Mirror in Chennai.
Seek first the kingdom of God, the rest will follow. Mt. 6:33.
Totally agree Bob! Spending time and filling ourselves with the One who holds it altogether first leaves no space for worldly powers to have any influence over our mind and heart through the day. Looking at everything and everyone through the lens of God’s word brings everything into the right perspective, reminding us that we have nothing to be worried about and nothing to fear. Only He is in control and will always be, nothing and nobody can change that.
Very true indeed.
Let’s read and meditate upon the Kingdom Herald first. The daily news is just trash compared with it. The words of the Creator are mightier than the world’s news creators, aren’t those ?
Very good piece of writing 👌
So true Bob! We live in a world where bad news sells, so consciously starting the day with the Good News makes a real difference.
I’ve also found that, on waking up, reading the Verse of the Day instead of reaching for WhatsApp messages quietly sets the tone and perspective for the rest of the day.
Thank you for the timely reminder to press on.
Quote for the day:
“But none of them controls tomorrow’s sunrise. Only One does.”
Beautiful, powerful, true!
Well said. Though the fundamental question is, even if we imbibe God’s word, deepen our faith in him, see the mass destruction of place, identity & culture happening across the country, will we vote wisely? Will we hang on to our comfort zones & turn a blind eye saying its someone else’s job?
Thanks, Bob, for today’s message. Many wonder why things happen today the way they happen. Prophet Hosea has the answer “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children”. The answer is simple why the world is in a chaotic condition.
Amazing! What a glorious vision of the reality of the kingdom of God and how that unseen vision changes how we perceive the kingdom of the world and our own kingdoms and queendoms.
Thank you Bob
Excellent reading with a message and advice. God first every 🙏🏻 time. U are rewarded with a blessings for further routine.
So true! All praise and glory to God alone.
Very true. Start the day and end the day with God. He will take care of the whole day. Praise God.
Once we’ve met the King of Kings and experienced HIS presence we understand that HE is always with us.
I too shall change the order tomorrow..
First God..
The newspaper follows after half an hour..