Wow. What a week we’ve experienced here in Iowa! Last Monday, with 20 minutes of warning, a derecho (never heard this term before last week) ripped through the center of our state, leaving much damage and destruction is its wake. Unfortunately, we, along with many others, were in the path of this storm. As I write this, our daugther and son-in-law in Cedar Rapids, and our small town just one mile north of us, Norway, are still without power. Eight days later. It was the most terrifying, most horrific experience of my life. And friend, let me tell you, I never want to endure 100+ mph winds here ever again.
But, today is a new day.
There’s just something about the hope of a new day, isn’t there? This verse reminds me why.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Lamentations is filled with pain and anguish of injustice and human loss. No wonder I’m drawn to it today. The words the prophet wrote then are still applicable to our situations today. And interestingly enough, not until today in the aftermath of this storm, did I take note of this translation of the same verse:
The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 CEV
If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. Oh my goodness, yes. It was only by His protection and mercy and grace that this storm wasn’t worse. That we were spared as we watched pieces of our home fly by our windows as the freight train-sounding winds continued for an hour. Thank you, God, for your mercy.
With a new day comes a new perspective.
Maybe you don’t live in the storm-affected areas. Or maybe you do. But, we each have something we are dealing with. Whether it’s digging out from the storm, or trying to find a place to live because your home is now uninhabitable, or you’re assessing the crop damage and wonder how it’s all going to shake out. Or maybe you’re dealing with this virus and its repercussions, or you’ve lost your job, or you’ve received unwanted news from your doctor.
I may not know your situation or your challenges, but God does. His mercies are new for you today. His love never ends. And, His faithfulness is great. He is with you in these challenges. And maybe most importantly, He’s not going to leave you alone in them.
It’s no wonder I love sunrises.
A sunrise reminds me it’s a new day. No matter what happened yesterday, yesterday is behind us. Today has new opportunities in store. It contains new hope, with God’s fresh mercies wrapped inside. For example, His mercies might be as simple as the breath in our lungs or as majestic as the sun appearing over the horizon with an array of colors. Because sometimes the most beautiful gift is the dawn of the new day.
Yes, today is a new day, my friend. How about we draw on God’s strength and rely on His wisdom today? Let’s remind ourselves He is with us in these challenges. And may we live today in His fresh mercies and then share them with others.
I am praying for us all today. God bless you, friend.
Much love,
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So appreciative of everyday and the gifts from God. Was a horrible experience that I as well do not want to experience again!
Hi Deb! Yes, events like this make us appreciate every day and God’s blessings all the more! It was horrible, and thank God we are okay. You are a blessing!