Thanksgiving’s turkey and ham are now memories. (and now 2022) However,  just mentioning the word thanksgiving can transport me to the first moments of each morning.

As I’ve grown older, morning prayer has become an absolute necessity. For me, to wake up with the awareness the sun is once again rising becomes intertwined with prayer and Jeremiah’s proclamation: “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).

When we arise from sleep, we might have plans for the day. Yet, unexpected news or events can change everything. Truth is, we do not know what the day will bring. Our future, even the next hour, remains subject to change. Such uncertainty creates a murkiness.

It is because we do not even know what will happen today that the steadfast love of the Lord is so beautiful and stabilizing. God’s love and mercy are like solid planks providing a secure pathway into the murkiness of the unknown enabling us to walk forward  with confidence.  God’s nature and promises shape these reliable planks.

Even though the day’s details remain uncertain, we can know where the path leads. Through his Son and scripture God has spoken.

• God, who does not lie, will be faithful to his promises (Hebrews 6:18; 10:23)
• God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• If our lives are built around pursuing God’s reign and engaging in what is right, we will have food and clothing (Matthew 6:30-33).
• Furthermore, those who make sacrifices for the kingdom of God will not only be provided for in this life, they will inherit eternal life (Luke 18:28-30).

If God grants us breath to witness a new sunrise, a moment for joy and gratitude has arrived. It is a moment to once again thank God for what he has done and will yet do. It is a moment to center our hearts upon God’s faithful steadfast love as together we step into a new day.

Barry Newton link to original article