Tea with God
In the early morning, I take in the quiet sounds and sip on the first cup of my favorite morning tea, Assam Black. The warmth of the tea comforts my soul with a gentle peace. I lean back in my chair, take a comforting breath, then open my bible to read God’s words of wisdom that make me feel as though I am wrapped in His love.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalms 143. 8
I draped a blanket over my legs and turn my attention to the stack of books I have brought outside in the garden with me. I take my journal from the top and begin scribbling notes with some small sketches of ideas and thoughts as I meditate on the words of God. I continue to sip more of my tea. Though I am refreshed, I find that I still have a thirst for more.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalms 34:8
My morning teatime with God is a time of study. This morning, for example, I am guided to a chapter in Marilyn Hickey’s book, entitled, Names of God. God shows his enduring love for us through His rewards for those who love Him. He is our Jehovah Gmolah, The Lord Who Rewards. God’s desire, she writes, is to reward us with blessings and miracles that surpass anything we could imagine if, and only if, we are willing to open our hearts to totally trust Him and have the faith to believe.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Slowly pouring my second cup of tea, I break from my studies to reflect. I get lost in my surroundings, as if looking to Heaven for a sign from God for His guidance for the day.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 (NIV)
With pen in hand, I write my thoughts but am interrupted by the phone ringing from a distance, in my studio. I put down my cup of tea to answer the call. A dear friend tearfully shared a challenging situation she was facing. I took a deep breath, and together, we drew a sigh of relief. We both welcomed in the silence and came together in prayer asking for our Heavenly Father’s guidance. We created a quiet space together to pray, despite the miles between us. We both felt a close comfort in knowing that God, our Heavenly Father, was hearing our hearts and prayers.
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalms 20:4 (NIV)
We closed off our time of prayer with words of encouragement and love. We knew that by having faith and confidence in God, He had heard our prayers. We were enjoying our morning “tea time with God.”
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
As I put down the phone, a note on my emails caught my eye. My very dear friend, Sue, who has always been a wonderful prayer warrior and an endless source of encouraging love for many, many years, sent me a video made by her daughter for the children’s ministry of their church.
I immediately clicked on the link of the video to watch Bonnie’s talented production and was taken in by the bright colors and beautiful singing of “Don’t Be Afraid for I am with You.” I found myself tapping my feet, laughing joyfully, and singing the song with the children.
With these children, I, too, learned a wonderful verse from the bible that added more comfort to my soul.
No matter what age we are, we can still kick up our feet and dance around with joyous laughter singing songs of praise to our Heavenly Father with child-like freedom.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
As the video concluded, I looked at my clock. My early morning quiet time was coming to a close and I needed to begin my daily activities. These few quiet morning hours are so richly filled with God, our Heavenly Father’s loving peace. And, it all begins with a sip of my favorite tea.
What a wonderful way to start one’s day by inviting God to join you for tea. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalms 34: 4