Look to God and Live… Joyfully!

Many years ago Ben and I sang a wonderful African American gospel song in the choir where we met. The first verse goes:

In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
Give me Jesus

I’ve been thinking about these lyrics a lot recently. What does it mean, “give me Jesus?” On one hand, it actually seems both demanding and proprietorial. On the other hand, saying that when we wake up we have a simple need: Jesus, sounds humble and simple. Okay, a shower, basic morning regimens, and breakfast are good and necessary, too, but to say that in the morning we need Jesus as our primary need is really worth thinking about.

What would having Jesus with us as we start our morning mean to our day? What does it even mean to have Jesus with us at all? Is saying we want Jesus to walk with us just a platitude, a wonderful spiritual, or is it something more?

If Jesus was there when I started my day I suspect that I would get up faster and be more anxious to go about doing good things. I’d be excited to discuss a million different things with Him. I’d ask what we should do that day and who we should see. I’d probably be more alert and enthusiastic and thoughtful.

Here are a few thoughts about what having Jesus with us from when we first awake could look like:

I have known people who every single day pray to know who Christ would have them serve that day – and they get answers that are inspirational and memorable blessings for others. I’ve tried that for extended periods, however, and I haven’t received answers. Hmm. That’s annoying. But then I realize that the Lord has given me a gift of some discernment, where I recognize the emotions and needs of people rather instinctively. God expects me to use that gift. Therefore, in my case, having Jesus means being willing to give the service and tend to the needs of those in whom I recognize the needs. Having Christ by our side as we care for God’s children isn’t formulaic in application, but it is vital if we want to give the best we can.

Surely we all know the person who allows Christ to be their energy source. Do we draw our energy from stress or caffeine or external demands or anything else, or do we draw our energy from Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer? What does that even mean?

Some mornings prayers and scriptures aren’t particularly inspirational – at least for me. There are the days when I drop everything I touch, stub my toes, forget something important, and much more, no matter how hard I tried to start the day spiritually. Often those days are low in mental and/or physical energy despite my feeling like a hamster running frantically on its wheel. I find, though, that even those days can be quietly and calmly filled with a spiritual energy if I have stored it up over a period of time of seeking spiritual strength. Even when stressed out, when I have spiritual energy I feel that I have a purpose, and that sense of purpose works in me like a battery charging my life.

Maybe that’s what “give me Jesus” means. Maybe it gives a purpose and basic structure to every single day. Perhaps it’s simply knowing, that no matter how annoying, stressful, difficult, troublesome, or grievous the day that ultimately all will be well – because of Jesus Christ. Nothing can ultimately harm us if we have Jesus in our lives – and that trust allows us to fear less and do more. If we have a purpose – walking with and acting for Jesus – then we will serve more freely, love more fully, reach out more generously, and care more openly. Making decisions won’t be onerous because we recognize that as long as we’re trying our hardest that God will make all things right. Selfishness and vanity won’t be major parts of our day, either, as both our outward and inward looking will be more focused. We will still have struggles, and we will still need to juggle real world concerns with spiritual ideals, but we will have greater resolve and greater strength to endure life’s vicissitudes.

I had a friend who every time you left her apartment she’d call down the sidewalk at you to remember to “walk with Jesus!” She loved Christ so much, and her admonition really was a good reminder about what the rest of the day should encompass. Her words would carry with me wherever I went and whatever I did as I left her place.

Give me Jesus. Perhaps we don’t feel we fit in with certain people or groups – but we can always be assured of having the Savior by our side. Perhaps we have abusive people in our lives – but we can be assured that Jesus is forever our non-condemnatory, loving, and merciful friend. Perhaps we can’t figure out how to serve others – but Christ will take our smallest service and make it work for the benefit of others. Perhaps we need help of any level – but if we’re willing to accept the help offered, then Christ will open the doors for that help to truly bless us.

Having Christ in our lives won’t make life all sunshine and flowers, with butterflies flitting and birds singing everywhere. It won’t magically take away our problems, cure our health – mental or physical, or even answer all the questions that plague us. Having Jesus, though, will allow us to find solutions and find peace. Give me Jesus. Give me His peace, His hope, and His love. You can have all the world, just give me Jesus.