In the early morning hours, I can sometimes see the moon from the night before even as the sun is already revealing its brilliant light. With each dawn comes fresh mercies and compassion from the Lord. “They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). I know this is true. I depend on it. And yet, I have the tendency to look back and focus on the night, those times of difficulty and trial.
I took a bike ride at 7:00 this morning and noticed the moon was still lingering in the sky. It was the perfect picture of traces of the night trying to remain in my day. Instantly, the Lord began to work on my heart, for there are many hurts and failures of “nights” gone by that try to rule my thoughts and dictate my day.
I’ve been betrayed. I’ve been abandoned. I’ve been slandered. I’ve been lied to. I’ve been scorned. I’ve been defamed. I’ve been threatened. I’ve been ridiculed. I’ve been reprimanded. I’ve been reviled. I’ve been rejected. I’ve also been guilty of similar evils. Christ has redeemed all of it. He shines like the morning sun upon my nighttime, covering me with the precious healing light of truth and forgiveness. And yet at any time, any one of these dark night memories can easily seep into my daytime thinking.
I have two choices: I can mope in the moonlight of difficult nights, or I can soak in the sunlight of what has been made new. A dawn of fresh breath is mine to breathe! Each day offers new hope in Christ Jesus.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24)
My hope remains even when the moon is still in sight. I don’t forget the hardship, but it no longer influences me. I look upon it and tremble no longer. I see its purpose in my life and recognize it as growth and wisdom gleaned. I now see the hardship as blessing. The “moonlight” simply becomes a part of my story, which has been perfectly designed by my Creator.
I will not live in the past. I am not stuck there. The fresh dawn is mine to enjoy as I place my hope in my Savior, the One who makes all things new and restores His people.
…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
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