Imagine with me a sleepy summer morning where the sun is up, but it’s not too hot yet. Where the world is still waking up, except for that early bird. Where the only place you have to be is out in your flower bed to do some light pruning. A day where you can’t wait to get the grill going later today for the burgers and brats you got at Market. The kids are asking to set up the slip n Slide today, and the dog is laying in front of the fan (which reminds you to schedule his grooming appointment).
Do you have that morning in your head? Isn’t it a beautiful picture of the perfect summer day? Maybe yours involves a pool, some iced tea, or a campfire with S’mores. Whatever it may be, there is one thing to remember with it: that day should be just as valued as the worst possible summer day. You know the one, where it’s thunderstorms all day, the same day you planned on mowing the yard, the kids wanted to go by the creek, and the whole family was going to go for a picnic in the park. On top of all that, the dog left a mess inside because the thunderstorm scared him.
No matter what the day is, it is a blessing from the Lord. Why? Because even on days where we are afflicted – not simply days that don’t go according to plan, but the days where it seems the world is falling apart – God’s mercies are renewed every day.
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:21-24
There is a lot of distress in the world right now. Racial injustice, the waning pandemic, and whatever personal issues that might be going on are proof of this. Yet God has not abandoned us. Rather, He continues to provide for every need of ours. The biggest reminder of that for us is found in the Gospel, where Christ died on the cross for our sins. Our transgressions were placed on Him, so that we may be the righteousness of God. So, on the mornings that are perfect, and the nights where we don’t know what to do, we must remind ourselves constantly of the Gospel. Let us remind ourselves today of God’s unending mercies.
Pray for our teens, as they face uncertainty with what the school year will look like. Pray that we, as a youth group, will come together soon and continue in communion with one another. We hope to continue alongside the church in the study of the 10 commandments, and look forward to the upcoming series for our teens over the school year!