Advent 2022 – Day 22
Sunday, December 18th
They Are New Every Morning
By H. Stewart White, Jr. / Season of life: Retired Presbyterian Pastor
Scripture
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1
God touched my heart and life in a powerful way when I was nine years old. I felt His loving presence that special night and knelt in awe and wonder before Him. I knew in that sacred moment that He was calling me into full-time ministry, and I have never doubted that calling after almost sixty years of serving Him. Truly,“The joy of the LORD is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) God kindled a fire in my heart that still burns brightly today.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”(Isaiah 40:8) I have spent a lifetime memorizing Scripture, and this is one of my greatest blessings and always brings me closer to the LORD. The Bible is unlike any other book, for it is the eternal and unchanging Word of Almighty God.
“Your Word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89) In
meditating on God’s Word every morning, I meet with my heavenly Father and discover how to live in His will and find freedom from stress and worry. Here in over-flowing measure is the promise of His redeeming and abundant love, His strength and comfort and a beautiful peace which “transcends all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)
The pages of the Bible are a constant reminder that “God’s
compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
My life and ministry are a journey of faith. Jesus promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Jesus told His disciples, “I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) He is right here, right now, right with me! The Creator of the universe upholds me, helps me, and cares deeply about every moment I live
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Closing Prayer
Thank you, Father, for always being our place of refuge and strength. In Your merciful arms, may we find rest and encouragement and joy.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Reflections
Which of the scriptures in Stewart’s writing stands out to you the most today?
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In what way does your chosen scripture meet a need in you today? What does it
tell you about God’s character?
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Write down your chosen verse and keep it with you today. Take a few moments throughout the day to read the words and remind yourself of who God is.
Lord God, may I “repeat the sounding joy” of who You are today!