It's Always Dark Before Coffee!

Daily Reading: John 21

Scripture Focus: Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.. (John 21.4)

Devotional Thought: We were just getting to the time of the year when it was light as I rose from sleep. Then time change hit, and I had to trudge out and turn on my coffee in the dark! But then, it's always 'dark' before coffee!

A few weeks after Jesus rose from the dead, he met several disciples one morning "as day was breaking." The disciples had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee. Their vision was blurred with weariness, darkness, and discouragement. They did not know it was Jesus.

When Jesus came to them, their work had been completed; their day was over. They had struggled all night to no avail. With each casting and drawing of the net, their spirits were deflated further and further. How disappointing to work with eager expectation, only to have your hopes dashed again and again. Yes, the day was over for them, both in the fact that the time had run out and their hope had dried up.

But then Jesus showed up and their day was about to begin! "Haven’t you any fish? ... Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did so, something miraculous and incredible happened. They caught so many fish they couldn't drag the net into the boat. They had to come to shore, pulling the net behind them. They left the weariness, darkness and discouragement behind them!

When Jesus shows up - no matter what time it is - the long night ends and a new day begins.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you are there to greet me every morning. As I begin my day today, may your presence chase away the weariness, the darkness and the discouragement with your strength, light, and joy. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 38.17-22

17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. 18 I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. 19 But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. 20 Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good.

21 Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!