Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23 NIV 

From her bed, she could hear the clank and shuffle of her dog’s food bowl. She didn’t even have to see him to know he was nosing it around, intentionally banging it against the floor and cabinets until she came to fill it up. It was just a part of their daily routine. 

So she rolled out of bed, grabbed her robe and slippers, and walked over to her dog who looked up longingly in eager expectation. She reached down to pet his head, but he turned his face toward the bowl, signifying his priorities. She laughed and patted him anyway and then filled up his food and water bowls. By the time she poured her own cup of coffee and sat down on the couch for her morning devotions, he had already finished and jumped up to snuggle against her robe—her favorite part of their morning ritual. 

Wouldn’t life be wonderful if people were as dependable as our pets? We love to dote on them every day because their warm, fuzzy fur and love-filled licks bring joy and comfort into our lives. We don’t begrudge their dependency on us; we enjoy it! Our pets provide an awesome outlet for our affection and desire for companionship. 

In a similar way to our furry friends, we awake each day in desperate need of our Father’s care. But we don’t have to make a lot of noise to get His attention. We simply need to turn our hearts toward Him in prayer! Every single day, He delights in cleaning out yesterday’s problems and preparing our hearts to receive His new mercies and grace, poured out through His Spirit. In the exchange, we’re not only nourished, but we’re also invited to cuddle up close beside our Master, Savior, and Friend and simply enjoy the miraculous moment of His making this day new. It’s a routine we can rely on for the rest of our lives until we’re brought into a permanent and perfect relationship with Jesus in Heaven. 

Lord, thank You for never getting tired of taking care of me. Every morning I can get up knowing I’m completely loved because You never fail to forgive and take care of me. You are my favorite resting place! In Jesus’s name. 

This is an excerpt from True Sweetness: Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.