Promising something new, each day in the garden provides delights which encourage my frequent visits. Astonished by the rapid changes of plants and flowers, I marveled at God’s intricate design for creation. Considering the admonishment in James 4:14, reminded me like the garden, we know not what our life may reveal tomorrow. But one thing we know beyond all doubt: God gives mercies sufficient for today.
Welcome back to the garden for a time of Garden Grace, where we allow God to reveal Himself through His creation. Once a month we linger together gleaning all He has for us through the beauty of plants, trees, animals and insects. I can’t wait to share my most recent discovery with you!
new mercies every morning
A hectic schedule combined with life’s demands often curtail my lingering in the garden daily. Which adds to my jubilant surprise at the new changes when time allows my visits. Yet despite my thrill with all of the fresh splendor greeting me, a melancholy creeps over the scene. Each day in the garden awakens with yet unseen charms awaiting me, but how many go unnoticed?
Like the garden’s new offerings daily, God beckons me to a fresh encounter with Him each morning, where I find mercies sufficient for today.
Though the same plants and flowers return and bloom every year, their continual transformation and growth brings a new season. Reminding me to embrace new mercies for the day unfolding before me.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
the sufficiency of today’s mercies
Of all the months, April ushers in many changes throughout my garden. The dreaded rainy days nourish new growth along with sunny days and warmer temperatures. Yet the garden cannot sustain new growth on yesterday’s rain and sun alone. Nurtured by each day’s contributions, God cherishes His creation.
Welcoming God’s designed nourishment, the garden opens to its Creator day after day; so we, must receive a fresh revelation of His mercies for today.
My heart becomes thirsty for God’s Word, satisfied only when quenched by time spent drinking in its goodness. Yesterday’s Living Water provides no refreshment for today. Like the manna gathered by the Israelites, I must seek nourishment daily. Rotted manna from the previous days cannot nourish my spiritual needs today.
new mercies for new burdens
God’s steadfast love promises not only His presence with you daily, but mercies sufficient for today. Each day brings new burdens, and your sovereign heavenly Father knows your exact need for this day.
His mercies come new every morning, because you are not promised tomorrow, nor hold knowledge of all this day portends. Turning the eyes of your heart upon God at the start of your day reminds you of His steadfast, never-ending love for you.
Seeking a fresh revelation in His Word fortifies you for the day ahead, ensuring you remain in The Way. Nourishing you with mercies for new growth, strength and spiritual transformation.
mercies sufficient for today
God’s invitation in the garden bids me consider not only how He nurtures creation, but the necessity of receiving His gifts daily. Creation displays His beauty in every sunrise, unfolding leaf, budding flower and farewell sunset. Do we receive His creative gifts daily?
Likewise, held in His steadfast love, we receive mercies sufficient for today as we seek the nourishment of His Word in the intimacy of covenant relationship. Resting in complete trust before our gracious Heavenly Father, every need for this day flows from His all sufficient hands to ours.
Donna, I love that you you have applied one of my favorite verses to the garden! I needed to read this, especially, as I think about the challenges of tomorrow: “Each day brings new burdens, and your sovereign heavenly Father knows your exact need for this day.” Thank you for this grace-filled reminder, my friend.
Lois, thank you for visiting with me in the garden today! That is one of my favorite verses too! It has been some time since I reflected on it, and I thoroughly emjoyed my time with God in the garden as He reminded me of the beauty and strength contained in that verse!
And isn’t it a wonderful blessing that those mercies are new every morning… sufficient for meeting all of our needs. Thank you, my sweet friend, for this reminder.
This was a beautiful time with the Lord meditating on His mercies, and the fact that they are new for us each day and they never run out!
I like this description of garden grace, Donna, “For a time of Garden Grace, where we allow God to reveal Himself through His creation.” He is so faithful to meet with us each day! Whether we linger long or stop by for a moment, He is there in the garden to meet with us. He is so kind and gracious! I’m so thankful His mercies are new every morning.
Lisa, so true, whether I linger long in the garden or pause for a brief moment He is there. His faithfulness blesses me each and every day!!
I am so thankful that God’s mercies, like manna, are fresh every morning and sufficient for each day’s needs.
Me too, Barb, my self-sufficient ways need to remember how much I need God’s mercies!
It is most amazing to me all the reminders God places around us to turn our attention to His faithfulness, His mercies, His grace, His lovingkindness. Every day, in every season, if we but open our eyes, we will see Him present with us. Beautiful post, Donna!
Thank you, Joanne, I wonder how much I miss each day when I get too busy or self-absorbed to listen and see what God has for me just outside my door!