Start Your Day With Positivity: 7 Powerful Tips
The alarm sounds, and it’s been less than an hour since I last laid eyes upon the digital numbers. In fact, I believe I saw these red glowing numbers every hour throughout the past night. What do you do when the idea of learning to start your day with positivity feels entirely unrealistic?
I hear a little voice outside the bedroom door. In the room next to me, tiny legs kick hard against the crib mattress as the youngest considers whether or not to cry for more milk. I pray he returns to sleep.
How to Start Your Day With Positivity
I’m praying for little Aiden to return to sleep when a gentle voice offers me an invitation: Begin the day with joy by soaking in God’s goodness before your feet hit the floor.
Taking a deep breath, I exhale the words in a whisper: “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Sixteen words.
Immediately, these 16 words change the trajectory of my day.
In the time it takes to speak these 16 short words, something in me shifts.
The words remind me of a dozen different realities.
They remind me that are women who are too ill to climb from their sheets this morning, and I have been one of them, and by the grace of God, I am not one of them on this day.
These words remind me that there are families living in war-torn fear, mothers who don’t know where they’ll find breakfast for their children on this day, and parents rocking babies in hospital beds today.
7 Ways Start Your Day With Positivity
As I consider the words, I count the blessings in my life.
My joy expands. My heart fills.
Let’s break this down as we look at seven practical ways to start your day with positivity.
1. Start your day with positivity by speaking God’s words first thing.
It sounds too simple: Start your day with God’s Word, and you will find the deep kind of joy you crave.
But something happens when our first words of the day are God’s Words: Our hearts are lifted heavenward; our perspectives are realigned; and most powerfully, we actually encounter the Living God.
When we speak words of gratitude to God in the morning, our hearts are uplifted by an attitude of praise. And since God inhabits the praises of his people, if you want to encounter God before your feet hit the floor, speak his words before your grumbling leads you to climb out on the wrong side of the bed.
2. Spend even a few minutes reading God’s Word in the morning.
Our first moments of the day set the stage for the rest of the day. A habit of turning to the news, the social media feed, or the Internet first thing is easy to fall into. However, our days will be transformed if we make it a habit to soak in Truth before we soak in the matters of this world.
After climbing from bed, freshening up, and serving breakfasts to the kids, I begin the day in the Bible as often as possible.
Most days, nothing remarkable happens during my time in the Bible; however, even when the reading doesn’t seem particularly flashy, like a breakfast of oatmeal, God’s Word consistently nourishes my soul.
You might begin the day by reading a Psalm, reading from a daily reading plan, or listening to an audio Bible on the way to work or as you drop the kids off at school. The key is to begin by renewing your mind with God’s Word.
3. Rest in God’s love.
Before diving into the work of the day—and even before mentally hashing out my daily schedule—resting in the Lord’s presence is a rhythm that replenishes me and prepares me for the day ahead. For just a few short minutes, I sit by the window, watch the birds at the bird feeder outside, and rest with the Lord.
I have no agenda other than resting in the awareness that God is present with me. I don’t try to solve any problems, plan the week, or grapple with issues that are bothering me. The secret is to lay it all down and rest with the One who holds my world together.
I try to keep my mind focused on God’s love as I imagine him smiling upon me. Every time my thoughts wander, I gently redirect them back into God’s love. I often repeat a centering Bible verse or phrase, such as, “God delights in me and loves me more than I can fathom.”
God wants to touch us with his love. These moments of silence and solitude are powerful for leading us into his presence and helping us soak in his love.
4. Pray for others.
I’ve realized that unless I make prayer a habit, my prayer life is, at best, sporadic. I remember to utter on-the-go prayers throughout the day, but I tend to forget to consistently pray for the people closest to me.
For this reason, in the front of my journal, I have a list of people for whom I pray. The names of my husband and kids are at the top of the page. I pray for one of these family members every day—not all of them. By praying for one person per day, I’m able to lift each loved one before the throne of God and ask him what he wants me to pray.
Often, God shows me a way to encourage, guide, and equip the children. He helps me see needs and ways to invest in their lives—ways I might otherwise overlook.
I also take a few minutes to pray over a list of friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Again, I don’t aim to pray over dozens of people every day. I often pray for just one or two people from my list. This allows me to pray slowly and creates space to receive impressions from the Lord.
Praying for the people I will encounter throughout my days helps me to be more intentional about loving them and encouraging them when I see them.
5. Give thanks.
Gratitude also changes the way we start our days.
Spend a few minutes listing everything you are thankful for. You might write in a journal or speak out loud.
The key is to give thanks. Studies in brain science show that appreciation actually opens neuropathways in our brains that enable us to better connect with other people throughout our days.
6. Listen to uplifting music.
Start your day with positivity by listening to uplifting music.
I try to listen to at least one worship song each morning. This seems to change the atmosphere surrounding me.
7. Care for your body in the morning.
I aim to care for my body in three ways each morning: I hydrate, fuel myself, and pursue movement.
God created our bodies, and we honor him when we care of our bodies by eating well and drinking enough water.
Furthermore, our bodies were designed for movement.
I try to move my body in a way that strengthens it every morning. In some seasons, this means I go to the yard with the kids. In other seasons, I hop on the elliptical in the basement, take a walk down our country road, or hike through the forest behind the house.
Moving our bodies keeps us strong and alert. You don’t have to run ten miles or even break a sweat to benefit from movement. Spend five minutes stretching or a few moments jogging in place. Do ten sit-ups or pushups. Walk to the mailbox or the end of the street. Just a few moments of movement can help your body prepare for the day ahead.
Read here to learn how to start your day with positivity. Share on X~~~
Let’s return to the point I shared at the beginning of today’s post. Here are 12 morning Bible verses to help you start your day with positivity.
Bible Verses to Start Your Day With Positivity
1. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words while imprisoned.
We can have joy in even the direst circumstances because God is with us. He is the source of our joy and peace. What better way to start the day than by reminding ourselves of this truth!
2. John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Jesus taught that the way to have joy was to remain connected to him. Referring to himself as the Vine, he described his followers as the branches. The branches bear fruit by remaining connected to the vine.
In this way, we find joy and a sense of purpose: We remain connected to Jesus.
For a list of practical ways to help deepen your connection to Jesus, join me here.
3. Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded his listeners not to worry. Just as God fed the birds, he would feed and care for them.
This promise is true for us today as well.
Rather than worrying, may we watch for God’s provision.
4. Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Some people live with the false belief that God is holding out on them.
This verse speaks otherwise. Would a father allow his own child to die for someone else and then not care for that person?
You are precious to God. Find your joy in this unchangeable aspect of your identity.
5. Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
If you have decided to follow Jesus, you are clothed with the garment of salvation.
Find your joy here!
6. Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Joy is found in God’s presence.
God is everywhere, which means joy is always possible. Our role is to open our spiritual eyes to become more aware of God’s presence.
7. Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah reminded God’s people of their source of strength: God’s joy.
What expression do you imagine on God’s face when he looks at you?
You fill him with joy. God smiles upon you. Receive this joy, and you will be forever changed by it.
8. Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Believing in God is a source of unshakable joy.
Everything else in our lives might fall apart, but God does not change. Find your peace and joy here.
9. Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
When we stay close to the Lord, we bear good fruit.
If your life lacks joy, seek the Lord. He wants to fill you with joy.
10. Psalm 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
We all face sorrow in life.
During these times, we can remind ourselves that God is with us. One day, he will wipe away all tears and make all things new.
11. Psalm 71:23
My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.
We are to testify to God’s goodness.
When we don’t feel joyful, talking about God’s goodness can lift our heads and fill us with his joy.
12. Acts 2:28
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.
Again, this verse reminds us that as we walk with God, the joy of his presence fills us.
Are you walking with God by obeying him as well as you know how? Talk to him about this today.
Read here to learn how to start your day with positivity. Share on XYour Invitation to Start Your Day With Positivity
If one of these verses resonates with you, commit it to memory, and ask the Lord to remind you of these words before you get out of bed each morning. Allow the first negative thought of your day to be a gentle reminder that you are turning over a new leaf as you aim to begin your day with a reminder of what is true.
This practice will change you from the inside out.
Allow these words to be more than just a quick catchphrase. Let them sink deeply into your soul. Finally, let them remind you that although many significant aspects of your life might be difficult in this season, there is something for which you can thank God.
This is a 20-second life-change that can shift the way you see the world all day long.
If these tips on how to start your day with positivity were helpful, I invite you to explore our family devotionals and library of free devotional eBooks below. Be blessed as you seek the Lord!
Calling All Parents and Grandparents!
As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love. You can find all three books here or read more below.
Attention All Boy Moms (and Dads)!
God’s Warrior: Devotions for Boys Who Want to Grow in Courage and Strength helps young boys, ages 5-13, learn what it means to trust God and become strong warriors for his kingdom. Now, more than ever, our world needs men who are willing to boldly carry God’s love into the world. I wrote this boys’ devotional book with our two young sons, Aiden and Caleb, ages six and eleven! You’ll enjoy their honesty as we teach boys how to be strong warriors for the Lord. Find this life-changing devotional book here.
Mother-Daughter Devotionals by a Mom and Daughter
Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith is written for girls ages 7-12. It includes 60 devotions with Scripture, conversation starters, and a shared journaling section for moms and daughters after each devotion. I wrote this book with the help of our daughter, Bekah, when she was eleven. Find this one-of-a-kind shared devotional here.
Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls is for teenage girls ages 13-20. It includes 50 devotions, each with a shared journaling section to help moms and daughters connect through writing. This is a great book for moms who want to communicate about awkward topics—like dating, sexuality, peer pressure, and more—but don’t know where to start. Bekah and I will help you right here.
Find Our Family Devotionals Here
Find all three books right here. They are also free on the Kindle Unlimited plan, which you can enjoy with a free three-month trial! These books make great gifts, and you don’t need to be the parent of young children to read them. Share them with your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or the young ones you love.
Learn Why Willpower Doesn’t Work and Experience God’s Deliverance and Healing
God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone. Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life. Find this life-changing book as a free eBook on Kindle Unlimited or for 12.99 in print right here. (If you do not have Kindle Unlimited, you can try it out with a free three-month trial!) This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!
A Free Devotional to Help You Connect With God
If this post about learning to start your day with positivity encourage you, I have a gift for you. Mornings With Jesus is not your average daily devotional—it is so much more! You’ll find 31 daily devotions with reflection questions. This devotional is unique because it also offers a special section at the end of each post called “Your Invitation to Encounter God and Begin Well.” These exercises will help you actually encounter the Living God during your quiet time and are a pathway to life-changing spiritual growth. Get yours free for a limited time with promo code JESUS right here. I also offer a library of free online devotional eBooks for free. I invite you to explore the collection right here! 
