It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not
consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every
morning: great is thy faithfulness. ~ Lamentations 3:22-23
2014 was a brutal year. It was a year of dismay, grief, pain, and life-altering changes. Yes, there were snippets of joy, victory, and laughter throughout; but it left me with an overall sense of gloom. The last week of December found me stunned, heartbroken, and barely able to function.
I spent much of this year's first weekend wrapped in a blanket in a dark, quiet room. No television. Just quiet. I read and slept and pondered the above scripture. I kept thinking New Year - New Mercies. It seems to me that if the Lord's mercies and compassions are new every morning, then how fresh they must be in the dawn of a new year! The thought gave me hope.
By the grace of His mercy and His great love, I can move forward leaning on His eternal strength. I can face the trials ahead with the knowledge that He supplies all my needs - strength, wisdom, peace, patience, joy, faith, and hope. I don't have to manufacture them on my own. I simply ask, and thus I am able to draw them up from the deep well of His abundance:
His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
His wisdom is freely given.
His peace has already been given to me.
Patience has her perfect work.
In His presence is fullness of joy.
He is the author and the finisher of my faith.
My hope is in Him.
Thank you, Lord, for a new year, new mercies, and Your unfailing compassions.
Photo credit - © 2014 Rick Welch
