MORNING JOY

I was surprised by the pink hue filtering through our home as I got up early one morning. I remembered that a significant storm was forecast and recalled the old adage, “Red skies in morning, sailors take warning.” Looking out the window, I was treated to a tangerine sunrise that left me in awe at God’s artistry through weather signs in the sky. The glory of it all reminded me not only of this "fresh start" adage I saw on a pillow in the décor section of a local craft store, but also of this nugget of hope in Lamentations 3:23:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

There are also more than fifty references to “joy” in the Psalms. Among my favorite:
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b)

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)

Then there is Nehemiah 8:10, a verse that a former co-worker used to  challenge me when I was in the doldrums of grief after my parents died.  Instead of a heartless “Get a hold of yourself,” she just quoted to me, “Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength.” It was what I needed to quit looking down so much, and look up. 

Exodus 16:21 says the Israelites gathered manna—the mysterious bread of heaven—every morning. If they tried to gather more than one day’s portion, the extra rotted. Again, a lesson for taking things a day at a time, not gathering up worries and cares, but looking to the Lord, who gives us fresh starts...every morning.