MERCIES

noun: acts of divine favor or compassion–especially toward someone who is underserving

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Mercies. Gifts of kindness, gentleness, and compassion toward someone who is undeserving of them.

We need them so much. These mercies from God. We are sinful and selfish, and we mess up a lot. We get critical of ourselves and others in this fallen world as we try to live like Jesus wants us to. 

It’s easy to slip into a place of self-condemnation and discouragement when we forget about God’s tender heart. But this verse reminds us that even though we do not deserve them, he has endless mercies, new compassions, and fresh surprises of love for us every morning.

But how do we really experience his mercies in our lives?

He forgives us for every single sin, washing us clean like they never happened.

He is endlessly patient with us–no matter how many times he has to teach us and gently remind us of things.

He comes close, comforting us with his presence when we are scared or sad or lonely.

He understands and sympathizes with all our struggles, our temptations, our doubts and fears.

He listens to us. He wants us to talk to him, to bring everything to him, to be with him.  

He reminds us of his grace. If we take a breath, take a moment, take a look around; we can experience his creative, generous blessings of beauty and joy everywhere.

He boosts us with strength and hope when we are the weakest…especially then.

I think of this when I make my morning coffee. At 5:30 a.m. (when I can’t quite form a complete thought yet), I wash out the sludge from the day before, grind fresh beans, and add crisp, cool water. The warmth and richness of the first sip sparks my brain and energizes my body. 

What a merciful God we have. Every morning, we can trust him to do this in us. He will faithfully wash out our sinful, selfish sludge and make us brand new.

Dear Jesus, I do not deserve your mercies, but I humbly receive them. Thank you for your steadfast love, your great faithfulness, and your tenderness toward me this and every morning.

TAKE YOUR TICKET 

The mercies of Jesus are new every morning.  

Let’s wake up believing that his compassionate heart is ready and waiting to free us, forgive us, and renew us with his amazing grace.