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 (ESV)

I’m an avid runner. I usually log between 35-40 miles a week. Running is a mentally and physically therapeutic way for me to think through issues I’m dealing with and commune with God. I need this time most days; I crave it.

One morning, a couple of weeks ago while stretching before a run, I was overwhelmed by the way the light was peering through the pine trees as the sun was rising and the dew was still heavy on the grass. I thought, “God, thank you for your mercy that is new every morning.” At that moment, I couldn’t get “The Steadfast Love” the Maranatha chorus by Edith McNeill from the mid-seventies, out of my head as I ran that morning. During every mile, the truth of this scripture song washed over me and renewed my mind and spirit.

You see, the preceding weeks have been quite challenging. I’ve been emotionally and physically worn out and pulled from many angles. Most of the things I was dealing with were ministry related and worthy of my attention, but I certainly lacked refreshment. I had been worrying how, in my own strength, I was going to accomplish all that God had called me to do. In the busy-ness of life, I was being disobedient by not trusting in God’s faithfulness to give me the peace I’ve needed. Oh, but the Holy Spirit knew I needed some encouragement that morning as He used the beauty of His creation to recall the scripture I needed to regain peace.

In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah uses the Hebrew word, חסדים, translated as mercies. This term is used 250 times in the Old Testament and is an all-inclusive term for God’s love, goodness, forgiveness, compassion, and faithfulness. We all need to be reminded that there is hope when we are in despair; God is faithful and merciful to us when we lose perspective and need renewing.

I encourage you to take some time, maybe even tomorrow morning, to watch the sun rise and consider how great God’s faithfulness and mercies are toward us. When you go through trials, tough times, or just need some refreshment, be reminded that God is molding and shaping you into His image. No matter where you’ve fallen short, God’s mercy is new every morning.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!