IN THE MORNING

Two beautiful passages use the dawning of a new day to express the promised hope we can experience as Christians ...

1. JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

Heartache, disappointment, betrayal, and your own sin can leave you shattered. This is a believer's 'dark night', when God's refining fire seems to drive you into a spiritual wilderness. These seasons of sorrow can last a long time, but they are never permanent for those who are in Christ Jesus ...  

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) 

The Lord will use your utter brokenness and deep contrition to usher you into the light of His divine countenance. You awaken to a new, more intimate relationship with your Savior and 'mourning turns to gladness'. 

2. HIS MERCY IS NEW EVERY MORNING

Even in your darkest hour, when sin has crippled your relationship with God; He remains faithful and will not cast you off forever. With every sunrise, He promises a renewed mercy and compassion ...

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed ... for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

God's 'great love' for His children never ends. The despair you feel in the night is the soul's longing for restoration and true repentance always brings it about. Because of His Son's redemptive act on Calvary's cross, mercy and grace are free to flow from the Father's throne every morning. 

As the sun breaks over the horizon, it should be seen as a symbol of God’s divine light causing darkness to flee ... a daily reminder that compassion always supplants condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

You can never run out of 'new beginnings', pilgrim.