I find myself distracted by the digital portal that sits on my nightstand. It’s the last thing I touch before going to sleep and the first thing I instinctively reach for when the alarm sounds. Even with my continued practicing Solitude and Sabbath, I still feel the urge to “check in” the moment I wake up.

Coffee. Podcast. Radio. Newspaper. News feed. Email.

Whatever your morning routine looks like, it’s likely full of distractions.

That 2014 University of Virginia study—where participants preferred electric shocks over sitting in silence—comes to mind again. Our discomfort with Solitude is real.

And then the question rises within me: “Who is your master?”

We are all following someone or something—consciously or not.

When I give in to the compulsion to “check in” with the world before checking in with God, I’m following the world. Am I even worshipping the world?

Our greatest commodity given by our Creator is time. It’s a gift.

And how we spend it reflects who or what our heart is truly following—and perhaps, worshipping.

When the Morning Convicts You.

My morning routine—this habit of immediately “checking in to the world”—has become convicting.

As I sit in this realization, a cool tradewind blows.

I close my eyes.

Breathe.

Five slow breaths.

And in the stillness, I sense God smiling:

“I love you, David.”

In that moment, I’m able to release the guilt, shame, and feelings of failure.

Psychologists call this internal conflict—between the identity we project and the one we secretly fear isn’t enough—imposter syndrome. But let me tell you:

That’s a lie from the enemy.

Your true identity is not found in performance or perception.

It’s found in Christ Jesus.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

That’s not just poetry—it’s truth.

First: You are loved, just as you are.

It sounds simple, but it’s foundational.

Even with all your imperfections, even with your past mistakes—you are deeply loved.

Not one of us is worthy to stand before our holy God on our own. But that doesn’t mean God is distant or only working for the so-called “good people.” That’s another lie.

The truth is the opposite:

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, there is atonement for our fallen nature and a path back to the Father—Abba—who is always for you.

God is as near as your breath.

Second: You are uniquely made, with a purpose.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Yes, you.

You are a beautiful, intentional creation of God.

And your purpose—God’s purpose for you—is almost certainly bigger than you can imagine.

Receive this truth into your heart.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:20:

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

He’s referring to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your life. In other words, God’s power is most evident not just in our words, but in the transformation others witness in us. This is the difference between knowing about God and experiencing God—between talk and power.

So here’s the invitation:

Look for evidence of spiritual formation—in your own life and in the lives of others. Not with judgment, because we all fall short of Jesus’ example, but with grace. Encourage one another. Support one another. Challenge one another. Walk alongside each other as we journey to:

• Be with Jesus,
• Become like Jesus,
• Do what Jesus did,

For the sake of others.

Paul echoes this again in 1 Thessalonians 1:5:

“Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power.”

That’s the heart behind Reflection Sunday. It’s a time to pause and assess your spiritual formation—to take inventory of the Spirit’s power at work in you.

I’ve been praying and journaling about a new tool that I’m creating that I hope will help you reflect and grow on this journey. I plan to unveil it on June 29th, during our next Reflection Sunday focused on the Prayer Practice.

Stay tuned. God is moving.