New Every Morning

Many centuries ago, God spoke to the Hebrew prophet about Israel: "As for you, son of man, your countrymen are . . . saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice . . . Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice." (Ezekiel 33:30-32)

He might as well have been speaking about me. I enjoy singing choruses about God's love and faithfulness. I love hearing God's word preached. I look forward to spending time reading the Scriptures.

But to put the things I sing, hear and read into practice . . . . Sometimes it's enough to get me wondering, "What's the use in trying?"

And then I'm reminded of Jeremiah's words, "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).

Yes, I fail all the time. But His love is greater than my failures. I stumble over the same sins, day after day. But His compassions are new every morning. Every morning.

And that is why I keep trying.

Shouldn't you?

rich
rmaffeo@comcast.net