Kristen Henderlong

Nothing compares to the peacefulness of an early morning.  Listen to the birds sing; the crisp, fresh air feels and smells so good.  The sun peeks through and settles on my face bringing light to my eyes and warmth to my skin.  The older I get, the more I appreciate the morning.  I like to be up before sunrise most days.  Especially in the summer— to sit outside with a cup of coffee and a blanket. Pure bliss.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is: “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You” (Psalm 143:8).

It also reminds me of another verse that is similar, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lam. 3:22-23).

Have you ever thought about how amazing it is that we get to have a fresh new morning every single day?  I don’t have to be sad when today’s morning is over and I have to get things done because another one will come tomorrow.

This is why these two verses impact me so much— because God’s love and mercy is as constant and dependable as a new morning.  It’s always going to come.  It’s always going to feel new and fresh.  The night will end and the sun will rise, even if it’s a cloudy day.  The light will return.  The darkness does not stand a chance against the light.

Notice how the second part of the verse from Psalm 143 says, “…for I have put my trust in you” (Psalm 143:8).  Hold on to that for a moment.

I have had some dark days; I have made some poor decisions.  I have hurt people, hurt myself and gave up opportunities.  I have lied, I have deceived, I have mistreated people I love.  I have lost my temper and chose things in the flesh rather than the spirit.  I have allowed my selfishness to determine several outcomes.  I overthink, I second guess, I disappoint and I isolate.  I have been angry at God and have told Him so.  I am a mess.

I say these things because they are true and I say them now because I know if you are reading this- you are a mess, too.  I want you to know I can relate to brokenness.  And I want you to consider the fact that EVERYone can relate to brokenness.   A simple awareness of the reality that literally every human being is facing something difficult can bring you a sense of sanity and confidence.

I don’t mean the cheap kind of confidence… you know, the kind where you think you have the upper hand because you compare yourself to others and say, “at least I’m not like that person over there… at least I didn’t do that horrible thing.”  OR how about this one, “Well everyone is doing it; it’s normal so my actions are justified…”

Or maybe you are in denial.  Maybe you don’t think you’re broken.  Maybe you think your life is really good right now and sure—you did some things in your past, but that’s over now and you’re a good person so it’s fine.  Any issues in your relationships aren’t your fault.  It’s always someone else’s fault.  All your problems at work are someone else’s fault.. or it’s the broken system… or they deserved it… or it’s just the way it is…

Sound familiar?

Newsflash: you’re a mess.

Am I being a little harsh?  Maybe… but I tend to be hard on myself and these are all things I have said to myself because I have been there.  I wouldn’t say it to you if I haven’t said it to myself.  This all applies to me as well.  Sometimes we just need a reality check.

So here it is: In the midst of the mess— we need a savior— that’s where the trusting part comes into play.  The morning brings word of God’s unfailing love, but we have to trust Him to receive it.  You have to trust His love is real and genuine and that He’s offering it to you with no conditions.

God is good in spite of me.  God is good in spite of you.  We turn to Him and everything else fades away.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends…His mercies are new every morning” (Lam. 3:22-23).

We are a mess, but God is good… and it’s His kindness that can turn us around (Rom. 2:4).  He did the work to deliver us from the nonsense (Rom. 5:8-9).  He wants to wake us up at dawn to a new sunrise and cleanse us from the evil, pain, and self-destruction.

Every single day we get a fresh start because God’s mercies are new.  We do not have to wallow in our failure or pain.  God is in the business of new beginnings.  He is calling you to Himself EVERY time you fall short.  Is that an excuse to mess up? NO!  But it’s assurance to walk boldly and not fear failure.

The God who set the earth in motion to repeat the sunrises and sunsets, He is the same God who repeatedly offers forgiveness, healing, restoration and LOVE… And it’s new every time.  Have you ever seen a sunrise or sunset that looked the same?  Me either.  It’s always new.

“…anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (2 Cor. 5:17).

I want you to read that verse out loud and believe it today because hope is dangling in front of you and you have to take it.  It’s yours.  Begin anew today.

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love…” (Psalm 143:8).

Remember: You are Loved.