God's Unfailing Love

Today’s blog is offered in honor of my friend and mentor Chuck Miller 

who created this wonderfully enriching exercise.

This holiday season – the days leading up to Christmas, Christmas day itself, and then the days leading up to New Year’s – tend to be full of “doing”. So full, in fact, that at times our days actually overflow.

So I encourage you to slow down for a few minutes. To slow down and engage in a short, simple exercise of praise. You can do this alone or with other people. Either way, it will help you prepare your heart for whatever God has in store for you in the coming year.

1. Begin by saying this Scripture out-loud:

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love…

for I trust in you.

(Psalm 143:7)

2. Take at least 5 minutes to reflect on – or even write down– some specific ways you have seen God’s unfailing love during this past year. Thank him for these ways in which he has demonstrated just how much he loves you. You can express your thanks in the form of a prayer, or simply talk to God aloud in a conversational way. The most important thing is this: Don’t be stingy with your praise! 

3. When you think you have most things listed…then pause…ponder…and see if the Spirit might prompt you to add any more items. Then, once again thank God for the ways he has guided, comforted, protected, and loved you.

4. If you are with another person or a group, choose one or two items on your list to share. You even can take turns describing the ways God has shown his love to each of you. 

5. Then recite the verse from Step 1 once again, out loud, and offer a prayer. 

This is my prayer for you. 

Dear Lord, I pray that this exercise will encourage the hearts of those reading this blog. 

As they meditate on this short but powerful Scripture…as they reflect on your acts of love in their lives…may they be reminded that even in the midst of difficult circumstances or disappointments, you are watching over them and guiding their steps. Help their trust in you to grow. 

May each “new morning” – and the coming new year – bring them word of your unfailing love. In the name of our Savior, Jesus. Amen.