New Every Morning

Today’s Musing is from Margaret Fowler.

New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove;
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life and power and thought.
Written by John Keble (1822)

Do you know this lovely old hymn? In this new year, I have been thinking of the many times in my life when I have dealt with something new.

The best new thing in my life was when I came to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord. My favorite verse became 2 Corinthians 5:17, “… Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (5:17b NLT). The new joy of Christian fellowship was an awesome discovery. I felt so close to my sisters in Christ, a new experience.

This day, January 30, 2023, has special significance for me. Sixty-seven years ago, on this day, I was in a totally new situation: I was on a troop ship on my way to a new life in America. I had just said goodbye to my dear family and my country, a very emotional and difficult parting. It took ten days on the ocean, and, at first, I was overwhelmed. But I had the joy of knowing I was traveling to meet my husband after a long time apart. The Air Force had sent him by plane, and only now was I allowed to join him on a long journey by ship. This was a totally new experience, definitely not easy and with mixed emotions—and the ocean is not calm in January … but I won’t dwell on that aspect! I was thankful to be a good sailor and enjoyed walking around the deck. Then came the joy of meeting Ray and my journey into a new life and so many new experiences. Number one was seeing the traffic rush by on the wrong side of the road! How could I ever learn to drive like that? (I did!)

Now, I am experiencing a new situation in my life: my newest “new” is the fact that I am getting “old.” It is not always easy. Many things I have enjoyed have had to be given up. My strength is not the same. It is time to be thankful for all the memories, the present joys, and all that I can still do. I love walking and enjoy writing and many other things. I hope to continue in my “new” older days to serve the Lord as I can and be thankful for each new day.

We all have to deal with many new experiences in life—going to school, leaving home, marriage, children, and dozens of new things to learn as we raise a family. Think of a newborn baby, so pure and innocent. And then the joy of seeing the first smile and the new personality forming. And the overwhelming joy when they take that first step into a new life as a Christian.

In this new year, did you make any resolutions? We have had a whole month to try and keep them. Have you succeeded? Have I? (I refuse to answer!) The fact is we do not know what each new day will bring. Will it bring joys that turn into beautiful memories? Or sorrow and hard times?

Here is the second verse of that hymn:

New mercies each returning day,
Hover around us while we pray;
New perils past, new sins forgiven,
New thoughts of God, new hopes of Heaven.

I have been thinking about the word “renew.” What a lovely word, telling us we can “make new again” those parts of our lives that need to be refreshed. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, “renews my strength. He guides me along right paths” (Psalm 23:3 NLT). May we always try to renew our strength in the Lord, serving in whatever ways He leads us. Remember, “ … His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22b-23 NIV).

It is God who helps us to live our best, to love, serve, enjoy the good, and have courage and faith in the hard times. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you … ” (Ezekiel 36:26a NIV).

Our prayer today is from that beautiful chorus by Keith Green based on the song of David in Psalm 51:10-13.

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband have had 66 years of marriage and four children. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret plays the piano as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a trilogy of books: Holding My Father’s Hand, Holding My Daughter’s Hand, and Holding My Heavenly Father’s Hand, all available here on Amazon. 

Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

 Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

Donate
If you’ve been blessed, keep the blessing going!
Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

Share it. Pin it.