Let’s Talk in the Morning
- Michelle Buchanan
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Yesterday, I blew it. I let one moment of defeat spiral into more defeat. But this isn’t a story about that - it’s about what happened after.
When I went to bed, I knew I needed to talk to God about the day, but I just didn’t have the energy. So, as I disappeared under the covers, I simply said, “Let’s talk in the morning.”
Morning came.
For the first time (maybe ever!), instead of waking up feeling disgusted with myself, I felt something different—compassion. grace. love. Deep within me, I was surprised by a small but growing hope of victory, glowing like embers waiting underneath an untended fire.
I could feel the shift—victory instead of defeat.
It was new.
I planted myself in the chair, opened my journal, and began to pour my heart out to God.
LORD, I blew it! Like royally and completely blew it yesterday. All my good intentions turned into a train wreck. And then I just gave into defeat as any recovery felt hopelessly lost.
And here’s the kicker! That morning, I finished the final preparations for a lesson I was teaching that evening on Hebrews 12:1-3. The message was about being surrounded by saints who cheer for us to rid ourselves of the weight and sin that so easily entangles us so we can RUN the race with eyes on You. Wow! What a hypocrite!
Today, LORD, I cling to the truth that You are the author and finisher of my faith. This is why I have hope today. Hope to start anew.
You, LORD God, are the lifter of my head.
You, Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me, empower me, and comfort me when I blow it!
Over the past two months, I’ve discovered a powerful way to journal in four simple yet powerful segments.
Release: I start by pouring out my thoughts, feelings, ideas or whatever is in my head. Hidden motivations and stirrings often surface, gently revealing what lies beneath. I release all to God with intentional honesty and vulnerability.
Filling: Next, I write down words of truth. Sometimes a verse comes to mind, or I recall something I recently heard. I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of what is true in the light of what I’ve just expressed in release.
Listen: Then, I create space to be still. I invite the Holy Spirit to breathe words of life into my soul. Sometimes it’s a single sentence, other times, paragraphs.
Respond: I finish with turning my thoughts to the Lover of my soul. Again, there are times it’s just one sentence, and other times I write a chapter as I respond with my “yes” to God.
Here’s a glimpse from some of the thoughts this day…
Daughter, I am with you.
You didn’t reach for Me yesterday.
You reached for willpower (your own.)You reached for distractions.You reached for your own “no” to stop the downhill slide.
You didn’t reach for Me.
You stated truth: “I am filled with the fullness of God. I do not lack any good thing. ”This is true, but it wasn’t ME."
John 5:39-40, You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me; and yet you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.
I AM truth. I AM the way. AM life.
Come to ME.
Speaking truth isn’t your only weapon. Kneel before Me to listen to be filled to sit in My presence.
Truth is your foundation. I AM your life. Matthew 11:28, Come to ME weary, heavy burdened. I will give you rest.
I had just been lovingly corrected by the LORD. And along with it, peace and joy flooded my entire being. I easily moved into the last part of my journal process to respond to Him.
Jesus, thank You for Your presence.
In Your presence is fullness of joy, of grace, of acceptance, just as I am.
I sat for a few moments, just soaking in the presence of God, in His fullness. And then I began my day… refreshed from drinking deeply from His Living Water..
…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life. John 5:14
I would love to hear about your journey. Comment with your thoughts or write a prayer request. Let’s connect and surround each other to encourage one another to lay off every weight and run the race, looking to Jesus.
