Faith in the Early Hours: How Morning Bible Studies Shaped My Freshman Year

Freshman year of high school felt like a whirlwind—new classes, new people, and a whole lot of unknowns. But in the chaos of it all, my sister and I found something steady, early morning Bible studies before school. Every morning, while the world was still quiet, we’d sit together, open our Bibles, and dive into God’s Word. At first, it just felt like a small way to start the day. But over time, those moments became something so much more.

High school came with its challenges. Balancing schoolwork, friendships, and extracurriculars was overwhelming at times, and I often felt stretched thin. But those early mornings reminded me of what mattered most: my relationship with God. It was during those moments that my faith started to deepen. I realized I didn’t have to carry the weight of everything on my own—Jesus was walking with me every step of the way.

Some mornings were filled with deep conversations about Scripture, while others were quieter—just reading, reflecting, and praying. My sister’s presence kept me grounded. Sharing that time with someone I trusted made it easier to stay consistent and brought the Word to life in a whole new way.

One verse we kept coming back to was Philippians 4:6-7:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This verse was a lifeline for me. Whether I was stressing over a test, navigating drama with friends, or just worrying about fitting in, it reminded me to bring it all to God. Big or small, I could lay it at His feet and trust Him to carry me through.

Looking back, those morning Bible studies were such a turning point for my faith. They taught me that intentional time with God matters, even when life feels busy. Growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of those small, consistent moments of showing up. Over that year, I watched how the gospel—the living Word—began to change me. It wasn’t something I noticed all at once, but as time passed, I could see how my heart was being transformed.

I’m so thankful for those mornings spent in God’s Word. They gave me peace in the middle of high school chaos and sparked a love for Scripture that still shapes me today. If you’re in high school—or honestly, in any season of life—I want to encourage you to carve out time to meet with God. It doesn’t have to be perfect or long, but it will make a difference. In those quiet moments, before the world wakes up, you’ll find the peace, strength, and joy that only He can give.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)