His Mercies Never End

“Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.”

Lamentations 3:22, CSB

November 2020 I attended my first writers conference, stunned at God’s push in that direction. To my amazement, I found many believers called by God to write for Him. I was nervous, but willing to join these intrepid souls. I had no idea what the road would look like.

News of difficult life events arrived before I left that first conference. The following two-and-one-half years brought multiple heartaches. I continued to write of God’s grace and love as best I knew how. Joined writer groups as I was able. And annually returned to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to continue learning the craft, trusting God for His direction in this new adventure.

But this spring my mind decided to take a vacation. Life events for my family and friends caused enough stress my soul needed to rest. I love our Father knows we are human and graces us with His presence always and His strength to carry on.

This week, I’m once again in the North Carolina mountains. For my fourth writers conference. I came totally unprepared mentally. No great writing plans to talk over with the staff here. I had only enough energy to show up. I trusted my Father would meet me here, and hoped He would refresh my soul.

Many of the people I met at that first conference and since are friends now. Part of my tribe. Teammates as we seek to share God’s message of love and mercy with hearts and souls around us. Being with a like-minded community has blessed and encouraged me. And once again I’m reminded of our Father’s faithful love.

It Will Be Hard

One of the classes I took this week was titled Persevere Through Planning. Lori Roeleveld, an author and writing coach, told us the first day, “Know this will always be hard.” It may sound strange, but that’s my favorite takeaway from this week. For some reason it helps to hear, to know what to expect, and be ready to do battle.

Life on earth is the same. Jesus told us we would have suffering, trouble, tribulation, in this world (John 16:33). But thankfully, He didn’t stop there. The Amplified Bible says it well.

In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33, AMP

What Lori said about writing is the same thing Jesus said about life. We are warned so we can be prepared. But our Lord tells us we can still be encouraged in heart. Why? Because Jesus, our King, has overcome.

God’s Mercies Will Hold Us Up

Whatever our worlds look like at this moment, our Father has a word for each of us. His lovingkindness is new every morning. It will never end. He knows just how hard life here is for us. And He gently holds us in His loving arms to carry us through every tough day.

Thank God, His mercies never end.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

(Photos: Taken by Carolyn Thigpen, Georgia and North Carolina; Doxology by Thomas Ken, 1674)