The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23a

As children, my brother Dan and I delivered newspapers. Periodically, we could buy Mom a sweet treat at the drug store. Dad and Mom provided love, shelter, and food daily. They believed that God enabled and expected them to do that.

Lamentations seems like an ironic title in the Bible because in the book, Jeremiah points out God’s unfailing mercy. Through challenges, despite sinful choices, toward needs of all kinds — God has been faithful, unfailing. This is a festive quarter of the calendar year. We celebrate Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas Eve and Day, and even my October birthday. We may celebrate God’s work on certain days, but His loving mercies are a 24/7, 365-day operation. That humbles me. It seems like I give only an occasional “candy bar” to God. God’s steadfastness in our past assures us of His faithfulness in the future. That guarantees us the opportunity to think of and thank God for His mercies more often.

Harry Edenfield
Brownstown, MI

Lord, may I appreciate You more hours of my life. Amen.

Reflect: How can I display more gratitude to Jesus and others for their care?

Read: Psalm 107:1-22 and Lamentations 3:19-32