New Mercies on Rough Days

My heart aches for a dear friend this week as she faces trials I would never want to face.  I spent last year watching a family member suffer.  And, obviously, like the rest of the world, I, too, have felt my own share of pain before and know that it is inevitable that more pain will come my way is this fallen broken world.

Thankfully, by God's grace, not only are we guaranteed pain along the way, but also God's new mercies, daily.  And, not to be unreligious, but sometimes people focus on the eternal mercies -- salvation, forgiveness, grace, justification, adoption, etc....which is wonderful, and more than enough, but sometimes, you want to ask, "What about some comfort and mercy here, for my earthly body, with my earthly emotions, NOW?"  We are earthly  beings and the reality of forever with our Savior may provide a great hope, but as far as the pain and suffering today, it seems to be a light at the end of a very long tunnel.

That's why I am so greatful for God's new mercies each morning.  I believe, in horrible times -- deaths, divorces, illnesses, etc, that God is gracious to give us good moments in bad times.  Laughter with friends.  A fun family dinner.  An encouraging email. A good movie. A night of uninterrupted sleep.  A book to escape. A good glass of wine.  Putting on a new dress and feeling like a million bucks.  A verse that hits at the heart.  Hearing your favorite song on the radio. Flowers. Sunsets. Perfect Weather. Good news amidst all the bad.

During some of my worst times, I had some really good moments....which is why life can't only be lived in time frames of months, seasons, years, even days, but must be lived in moments.  Obviously our Lord understood that, obviously he knew that each day, we might need His mercies to get through the day.  Bright spots among the darkness, not just the light at the end of the tunnel.

I often find myself at the end of a bad day, praying for new mercies the next day, and being so greatful that a day comes to an end and a new one starts.

You may have many rough days ahead.  Even if not at this point, you will have bad days sometime in the future.  Know that God has provided salvation from our sin and eternity without pain and in His presence. But, also know that he provides good moments throughout your rough days.  And when today seems unbearable, know that when you put your head on your pillow tonight, God will be providing new mercies the next day!! 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an

end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

LAMENTAIONS 3:22-23