Have you opened your present this morning?
It’s not Christmas morning when I write this, and, it’s probably not Christmas morning when you read it either. But, if you want, every day can be like Christmas.
We are familiar with the exhilaration of Christmas. We love the delighted squeals as someone rips into a brightly wrapped hidden treasure. Whether the squeal is ours or that of our children, we enjoy that excitement.
Part of the joy comes from what the gift is. But part of the thrill is in the newness. Whatever the gift, it is fresh, its paint unscarred, its surface unmarred. It smells new, and we like new.
With all that in mind, allow me to ask again, “Have you opened your gift this morning?” It is brand new, shiny and perfect. And, it is exactly what you need. Tear it open! I’m sure you’ll like it.
“Because of the steadfast love of the Lord, we are not cut off; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV).
Do you see your present? Mercy — mercy that is new every morning. Mercy: where God’s nature meets our greatest need.
We need new mercy every morning because we find new ways to sin every day. One day it may be greed and selfishness leading us to ignore someone’s need. The next day it could be our temper flaring to scorch someone close. Today, it might be a lack of gentleness or patience. You get the idea. The ways to need mercy are endless.
So is God’s supply. Every morning, a special edition paper from heaven is tossed on the front walk with the headline: “New Supply of Mercy Arrives.” God’s dairyman delivers a gallon of fresh milk of mercy right to the door — actually several gallons — more than anyone could drink in one day. Every evening the bed in which we’ve chosen to lie is freshly made with crisp new sheets of mercy.
His mercies never come to an end. Never. They are new every morning. You can count on it, because his world-famous faithfulness never fails to deliver. He will always be right on time with a brand new surplus supply of mercy.
What incredible service! What lavish love! And the bill never comes. It has already been paid in full.
Have you opened your present this morning?
Keith Wishum is minister, Williams Road  Church, Americus.