Transforming Mornings: From Distraction to Devotion

In our modern world, the first decision we face each morning often involves our smartphones. Many of us, as revealed by a survey of 8,000 readers from desiringgod.org, find ourselves scrolling through our phones within minutes of waking up. This habit, while seemingly harmless, can set a tone for the day that is more about distraction than devotion. The survey showed that 73% of respondents engage with their phones before spending time with God, likening this to eating chocolate for breakfast—tempting but not nourishing.

The reasons behind this behavior can be categorized into two groups: "candy motives" and "avoidance motives." The candy motives include a hunger for novelty, ego, and entertainment. We crave the latest news, seek validation through social media interactions, and indulge in endless streams of captivating content. These desires are often rooted in our sinful nature, seeking to satisfy our egos and entertain ourselves rather than focusing on God and others.

On the other hand, avoidance motives stem from a desire to escape boredom, responsibility, and hardship. The day ahead may seem daunting, filled with mundane tasks, heavy responsibilities, or personal challenges. Our phones offer a temporary escape, allowing us to delay facing these realities.

However, there is a better way to start the day. Instead of reaching for our phones, we should begin with a cry to God, seeking His presence and guidance. Psalm 5:3 encourages us to let our first words be a prayer, dedicating our day to God and watching for His steadfast love. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer, we can find satisfaction and strength in God's love, preparing us to face the day with joy and purpose.

To implement this change, we must plan ahead, setting our intentions the night before. By freeing ourselves from the grip of our phones, we can embrace a morning routine that fills us with the Holy Spirit, equipping us to love God and serve others.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Temptation of Technology: Our morning habits often reflect deeper spiritual struggles. The allure of our phones can distract us from starting the day with God, revealing our need for novelty, ego, and entertainment. Recognizing these temptations can help us refocus our mornings on what truly matters. [03:40]
• 2. Avoidance and Escape: Our phones can serve as tools for avoiding the challenges of the day, whether it's boredom, responsibility, or hardship. By identifying these avoidance motives, we can confront them with faith and courage, seeking God's strength to face the day. [06:33]
• 3. A New Morning Routine: To transform our mornings, we must plan ahead, setting our intentions to seek God first. By beginning the day with prayer and Scripture, we can align our hearts with God's will, finding joy and purpose in His presence. [10:30]
• 4. The Power of Prayer: Let the first words out of our mouths each morning be a cry to God. By expressing our dependence on Him, we invite His guidance and love into our day, preparing us to love and serve others. [12:07]
• 5. Satisfaction in God's Love: As we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we discover His steadfast love and guidance. This spiritual nourishment satisfies our souls, equipping us to face the day with joy and resilience. [13:29]
  ** [13:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Morning Decisions
• [00:33] - Survey Insights
• [01:15] - The Problem with Scrolling
• [02:00] - Analyzing Our Habits
• [03:40] - Candy Motives
• [06:33] - Avoidance Motives
• [09:16] - The Cost of Avoidance
• [10:30] - Planning for a Better Morning
• [11:44] - A New Morning Routine
• [12:07] - The Power of Prayer
• [12:50] - Seeking God's Love
• [13:29] - Satisfaction in God's Love
• [14:12] - Breaking Free from Habits
• [14:44] - Closing Thoughts

1. According to the sermon, what are the "candy motives" that draw people to their phones first thing in the morning? ([03:40])
2. What are the "avoidance motives" mentioned in the sermon that might cause someone to reach for their phone instead of facing the day? ([06:33])
3. How does the sermon suggest we should start our day instead of reaching for our phones? ([12:07])
4. What role does planning the night before play in changing our morning habits according to the sermon? ([10:30])

1. How might the "candy motives" reflect deeper spiritual struggles or needs in a person's life? ([03:40])
2. In what ways can avoidance motives hinder a person's spiritual growth and relationship with God? ([06:33])
3. How does starting the day with prayer and Scripture, as suggested in the sermon, align with the teachings of Psalm 5:3? ([12:07])
4. What does it mean to "watch" for God's steadfast love in the morning, as mentioned in Psalm 143:8, and how can this practice impact one's day? ([12:50])

1. Reflect on your own morning routine. What is the first thing you do when you wake up, and how does it set the tone for your day? ([01:15])
2. Identify one "candy motive" that you struggle with. How can you address this motive in a way that honors God? ([03:40])
3. Consider a responsibility or hardship you tend to avoid. How can you face it with faith and courage, seeking God's strength? ([06:33])
4. What specific steps can you take tonight to plan for a morning routine that prioritizes God? ([10:30])
5. How can you incorporate a prayer like "I need you, Lord" into your morning routine to express your dependence on God? ([12:07])
6. Think of a time when you felt satisfied by God's love. How can you seek that satisfaction each morning to prepare for the day ahead? ([13:29])
7. What practical changes can you make to ensure that your morning routine is filled with the Holy Spirit and aligns with God's will? ([11:44])