When you are having a difficult day and are struggling with what to do or say or how to react or cope, go to Jesus and open up His Word for you. Very recently, I found myself doing that very thing after a night of little sleep.

In my devotional reading time, the passage of Scripture next up for me was Matthew 28. Before beginning my time with God, I silently asked Him to speak and to prepare me for what would lie ahead that day. Through His Word, God did answer my prayer.

First God reminded me that He is the resurrection. In Him is life everlasting.

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.

But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”

What a shock for these women approaching the grave of the person whom they loved so deeply! An angel proclaims to them that their Lord isn’t there…He is risen, just as He said! Jesus is alive!!

For God, it wasn’t enough for them to only hear that Jesus had resurrected and witness evidence that His body was no longer there. God wanted them to be able to see and touch Jesus, for them to truly know their Savior lives.

So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”

The first words Jesus spoke to them was, “Good morning!” And, Jesus spoke those same words to me as I read His Word. “Good morning, Jill. I know what today holds, and I am here.”

This is my prayer for you: that each morning you will hear the voice of Jesus greet you, and you will know the depth of His goodness and His love that compelled Him to complete His work on the cross and defeat the grave.

When you are dreading what is ahead of you, take hold of Jesus and worship Him by casting all of your hurt, fear and doubt at His feet.

Jesus is alive! There is hope and a glorious ever after that awaits.

Good morning.