Morning By Morning New Mercies I See

Have you ever woke up in the morning and thought... I can't. I can't do the same thing one more day. I can't deal with the medical calls, bills, pills, and health routines one more day. It is too much. I just want a break. Yes... I have been there. 

The pandemic has seemed to make this even more pronounced as every day seems strangely the same. It is the same routine over and over and over again. 

You know what is great? God's mercy also is the same day after day after day. It is new every morning. One of my favorite hymns then comes to mind: Great Is Thy Faithfulness and the song, New Today.

You see, His mercy is new every day. On top of that, He also has told us that His strength is made perfect in weakness. His grace is sufficient. Mercy and Grace. 

So as we struggle each day, we can rest on His Mercy and His Grace and do the next thing.

As Elizabeth Elliot reminded us, 

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing
Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.
Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.
– Elizabeth Elliot

The Waiting Is Important

Sonnet 19: When I consider how my light is spent
BY JOHN MILTON

When I consider how my light is spent, 

   Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, 

   And that one Talent which is death to hide 

   Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent 

To serve therewith my Maker, and present 

   My true account, lest he returning chide; 

   “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” 

   I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent 

That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need 

   Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best 

   Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state 

Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed 

   And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest: 

   They also serve who only stand and wait.”

This poem is also called "On His Blindness." The last line strikes me. 

Many days, as someone who is chronically ill, waiting doesn't seem like serving. But, waiting in prayer is a very important part of serving. In fact, God has it as part of his purpose. He uses the waiting as part of His will for us. 

Honestly, I want to study this more, but have thought about several servants of God who had to wait and for whom God used the waiting: David, Moses, Abraham, Elijah, and Paul just to name a few. God used the waiting to train them, to mold them. God is in the waiting!