New Morning Mercies by Barbour Books

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NewMerciesMorning

devotions & Prayers for Women

Print ISBN 979-8-89151-203-0

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Devotions and prayers are from: Daily Wisdom for Women Devotional Collections—2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Copyright © Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

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New Morning M ercies

for Your Beautiful Soul

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

Lamentations 3:22–24 nlt

The heavenly Father’s mercies are new every morning, and this lovely devotional celebrates that truth. These more than 200 devotions will comfort, inspire, encourage, and infuse hope into your heart. Every page gifts you with these lovely reminders: God is good. . .He is faithful. . .He is love! Read on and immerse your spirit in inspiration and encouragement every day of the year.

Joy in the Morning

All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

Psalm 22:26 nlt

How grand God is! He knows how dependent we are on Him for the everyday joy we need to carry on. And every day, He provides us with beauty all around to cheer and help us.

It may come through the beauty of flowers or the bright blue sky—or maybe the white snow covering the trees of a glorious winter wonderland. It may be through the smile of a child or the grateful face of the one we care for. Each and every day, the Lord has a special gift to remind us of whose we are and to generate the joy we need to succeed.

In our own pain and frustration, there are times when our eyes don’t see the beauty God sends. But if we ask, He’ll show us. God is faithful to build us up with everything we need to serve Him with joy. What an awesome God we follow!

Lord God, I thank You for Your joy; I thank You for providing it every day to sustain me. I will be joyful in You.

Cultivating Contentment

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Psalm 130:5–6 niv

What are you waiting for—a job, a relationship, physical healing, financial provision? Whatever answer to prayer you are longing for, remember that often it’s in the waiting that God performs His perfecting work on our character. Joseph waited for many years, serving in Pharaoh’s house (even ending up in jail) before God promoted him. Abraham waited until he was a century old to see the child God had promised to him and Sarah decades before. God was still at work in both men’s lives, though His actions and plans were hidden. Maybe you’ve waited for God to come through, and so far, He hasn’t. The word advent means “arrival or coming, especially of one which is awaited.” Like the silence the people of Israel endured for 400 years between the last spoken prophetic word and the arrival of the Christ child, perhaps you’ve endured silence from God for so long that you think He’s not there, not listening—or not inclined to come to your rescue.

No matter what you’re going through, please know that God is for you, not against you. He aches with you. And He offers us a choice: Be chained in fear or changed by grace. Which will you choose today?

Father, forgive me for doubting Your love and mercy. Thank You that You are faithful and that You will provide for me. I believe. . .help my unbelief.

Come and Find Me

I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me. Psalm 119:176 nlt

Sheep are funny creatures. Left to their own devices, they meander through fields, searching for the next choice mouthful. Their stomachs guide them. That’s why they sometimes get themselves into precarious situations and often don’t see their enemies until it’s too late.

Have you ever acted like a ewe? Wandering through life, seeking to feed your desires? Looking for the next thing you think might satisfy you?

Everyone wanders away sometimes. And every time, the reason is stupid—just like it is for the sheep who willingly steps out of sight of her one and only protector.

Face it. There’s no good argument for leaving the shepherd. He knows you. He’s the only one who knows every thought you have ever had, every word you have ever said or left unsaid. And He still loves you and wants you to be with Him. Can you really think of a good reason to leave Him?

But undoubtedly you will. Everyone will stray. Everyone will turn their backs—again and again.

“Come and find me,” you can pray. And He will. Your shepherd will come with grace and mercy. He will come and pick you up and take you back to the flock again. Maybe this time you will stay.

Lord, help me to understand that my safest place is with You. Amen.

May We Never Forget

“When you cross the Jordan River and enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. Write this whole body of instruction on them when you cross the river to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you—a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.”

Deuteronomy 27:2-3 nlt

Picture the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Can you see them scratching their heads as they listen to the Lord’s last-minute instructions? Can you hear their questions: “Wait a minute, Lord. . .stones? Put them. . .where?”

Oh, but after the fact, when they looked back at the place where they crossed over, it all became crystal clear. What a tangible reminder of what the Lord had done! Those very stones stood as a memorial, a vivid reminder, so that they would never forget their deliverance story.

When God works miracles on our behalf, delivering us from our proverbial (and often very real) enemies, He longs for our trust to grow as we remember all He’s done on our behalf. May we lift our hearts and hands in praise for all He’s brought us through.

Lord, You’ve carried me through rough seasons and brought me into new places where I can thrive in You. May I never lose my sense of wonder over Your grace, provision, and love. I trust You, Father. Amen.

Weary Days

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Psalm 42:5–6 kjv

It’s easy for life’s responsibilities and commitments to drag us down. Each day seems like a repeat of the day before. The morning alarm becomes our enemy, and the snooze button becomes our considerate companion. Our hard work often goes unappreciated. Nothing feels accomplished. Our souls yearn for something more.

If we accept it, God’s constant goodness can be our delight. In the mornings, instead of our groaning and hiding beneath the pillows, God desires for us to communicate with Him. His voice could be the first one that we hear each day. As we roll over and stretch, we can then say, “I love You, God. Thank You for another day of life.”

Our willingness to speak with God at the day’s beginning shows our dependence on Him. We can’t make it alone. It is a comforting truth that God never intended for us to trek through the day unaccompanied. He promises to be with us. He also promises His guidance and direction as we meet people and receive opportunities to serve Him.

Getting started is as simple as removing our heads from beneath the pillows and telling God good morning.

Lord, refresh my spirit and give me joy for today’s activities. Amen.

Great Expectations

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Luke 2:25–26 niv

Simeon was an old man. He was righteous and devout. But surely there were other old men hanging around the temple who were also righteous and devout. Of all the Pharisees and Sadducees nearby, of all the truly devoted, religious people of that day, why Simeon? Why did God choose this man to welcome His Son into the temple and proclaim His coming to all who would listen?

One key phrase offers a clue: “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.” In other words, Simeon knew God’s promises, and he was looking for good things to happen.

What a lesson we can learn from this old saint! God has promised many good things to His people. But we often mope around, stressed and anxious, worried that things won’t go well for us. Why do we do that? Like Simeon, we should wake up each morning looking for God to do great things. We should greet each new day expecting God to work, to fulfill His promises.

Dear Father, thank You for Your promises. I know You have good things in store. Help me to watch and wait, expecting You to do great things each and every day. Amen.

Precious Time with Him

I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy. Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.

Psalm 140:6–7 niv

Often we are distracted by life to the point that we are too busy to connect with the Lord.

Regardless of today’s workload or your planned to-dos, resist the pressing urge to jump into your busyness first thing. Instead, determine to spend some time with the Lord.

Pour a cup of tea and sit in your favorite chair. Look out your window to whatever nature might surround you. Better yet, take a nice, leisurely walk around your neighborhood or in a park. Either way, begin to pray quietly. Stop for a moment to drink in your surroundings, the beauty that reflects your Creator.

If you are outside, notice that just as the air escaping your lips is normally unseen in other seasons, fall exposes the presence of God. Notice that those things that often are invisible seem to be shouting out God’s presence with each step you take.

How wonderful that in these quiet moments, God takes every means to remind you that He cherishes the precious time you spend with Him.

Lord, forgive me for being distracted. I will make time for You—especially today. Give me a visible glimpse of You.

Trusting Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 nkjv

Words used to describe a tower are: tall, high structure, stronghold, or something strong enough to hold things such as water or food. When you were little, and you heard stories about princes and princesses, kings and queens, cops and robbers, did you imagine a tower to be like that—strong. . .immovable. . .unshakable?

Like a tower that stands tall and strong from the ground up, God is a tower to our faith. Jesus, when He died on a tree and rose again, became your strong tower as well. Everything that He did was enough to pay the penalty for your sins and empower you to live a life in Him. All you need to do is approach His throne of grace. Hebrews 9:28 (gw) says, “Likewise, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that he will appear a second time. This time he will not deal with sin, but he will save those who eagerly wait for him.”

As you trust in Elohim—which is the plural form of El, meaning “strong one”—thank God and Jesus for what They have done for you. And trust that Christ is coming again for you.

Lord, when I need to trust You more, I want to run to You more. Thank You for being my refuge, my mighty tower of strength.

Rocky Road, S teady Faith

Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

Psalm 89:52 esv

The psalms cover a lot of ground—from laments to worship. They show the human side of faith as God’s people try to live out their beliefs each day, even when they wonder about what’s happening. Psalms 88 and 89 are examples of this tension.

The writer of Psalm 88 didn’t know why he had been plagued by an illness. “O Lord, why do you reject me?” he wrote. “Why do you turn your face from me?” (Psalm 88:14 nlt). The writer of Psalm 89 had a question too. He knew God’s promises about Israel, but he didn’t see God’s promises being fulfilled, and he asked, “Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge” (Psalm 89:49 nlt).

Yet despite uncertainty, both psalmists chose to trust God to work everything out. Their situations may not have been explained, but they continued to turn to God: “O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day” (Psalm 88:13 nlt). What God promised may have seemed unlikely, but he still believed: “I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! . . . Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens” (Psalm 89:1–2 nlt). Both psalmists chose faith. What do you choose?

My world might be stretched by questions, but I choose to put my faith in You, blessed Lord. Amen and amen!

The Gift of Manna

They asked, and He brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

Psalm 105:40 nasb

Who wouldn’t welcome the delivery of free bread on their doorstep each morning? Well, the Israelites had it made, and they still complained. “Same old, same old” they’d have cried out in today’s vernacular. A one-day supply of this sticky, white, honey-flavored nourishment, called manna, covered the ground each morning. After gathering it, the Israelites ground it between two millstones or beat it with a mortar, boiled it in a pot, and made cakes with it. The taste was similar to cakes baked with oil (Numbers 11:8). However, after forty years, the thought of waking up to this substance didn’t exactly entice them to crawl out of their tents in anticipation.

After their repeated complaints, God gave the Israelites some quail to eat (Numbers 11:31). No matter how God cared for them, the Israelites found something to criticize.

Another life-giving bread is symbolically offered to us under the new covenant. Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats from this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world also is My flesh” (John 6:51 nasb). Christ Himself compared the two breads: “This is the bread that came down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died; the one who eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:58 nasb).

Lord, I long to live forever in Your glorious presence.

Talking to the Father

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 niv

We have all had those inevitable days when we are exhausted or discouraged and it seems too hard to carry on. We might feel as dry as the desert sand, with nothing left to give. This is a time when we could use nourishment for our souls.

The prophet Zechariah said, “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime, and he will answer with lightning and showers” (10:1 tlb). Matthew Henry explained this scripture: “Spiritual blessings had been promised. . . . We must in our prayers ask for mercies in their proper time. The Lord would make bright clouds, and give showers of rain. . .[when we] seek the influences of the Holy Spirit, in faith and by prayer, through which the blessings held forth in the promises are obtained.”

When these times hit, use “knee mail.” Don’t just “tweet” a short sigh to the Lord, but carve out some time to pray, to praise, and to petition our heavenly Father for strength to carry on. He is faithful to answer our pleas and send refreshment to our hearts. It could be in the form of a restful night’s sleep, a friend or relative to exhort and encourage, or a stranger’s greeting. We never know how the Lord will answer our petitions, but He will answer. God’s inbox is never too full.

Dear Lord, how I long for Your presence. Father, hear my prayers this day; extend Your hand of mercy to me. Amen.

God ’s Partner

In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.

2 Corinthians 6:4 nlt

When you turn on the television to glimpse the evening news, you are immediately reminded of the fallen world you live in. Danger, calamity, and terror are all around, yet you have hope in God’s mercy because you know who you are.

You are God’s partner (see 2 Corinthians 6:1).

You patiently endure troubles, hardships, and calamities of all sorts and sizes (see verse 4).

You know that God’s power is working in you (see verse 7).

Your heart may ache, but you have eternal joy (see verse 10).

You may be poor, but you give spiritual riches to others (see verse 10).

You may own little but have everything (see verse 10).

You have no lack of love within you, even though others withhold their love from you (see verse 12).

In other words, as God’s partner, you see the world with His eyes. You know He’s living in you. He’s your safety zone. As you abide in Him, nothing can touch you.

Father, thank You for allowing me to be Your partner as I abide in You.

Hold On Tight

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Hebrews 10:23-24 nlt

Take a few minutes to reflect on the word trust . More specifically, think about the relationships you have in your life right now. Then think about the relationships that have drifted or changed over the years. What is one of the characteristics that has helped you maintain a solid relationship with someone?

Chances are, trust is an important quality for you. Trust helps build a foundation and gives you an assurance that your words, and the words of others, are safe. Proverbs 18:21 (nlt) says: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” As Solomon wrote these words, he recalled a truth about relationships. Words can hurt or heal. Your words, and those of others, are powerful. But God’s are the most powerful of all.

Hebrews 10:23 encourages you to hold tightly, without wavering, to the hope you have because God can be trusted to keep His promises. In other words, God can be trusted to keep His word. Therefore, trust and hold on tight to Him.

Father, I’m so grateful for the power and hope found in Your words. Give me Your grace to hold on tight to Your promises.

In the Midst of Trouble

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me. . . . The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.

Psalm 138:7–8 nlt

Sometimes when we feel the walls of a tough situation closing in on us, we lose sight of God. We fail to see that He is with us absolutely everywhere—no matter what situation we find ourselves in or put ourselves in—and He never stops intervening in our lives. David expressed wonder at the thought, saying, “You know everything I do. . . . You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (Psalm 139:3, 5–6 nlt).

David could go no place where God wasn’t already present, waiting to shepherd him. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” David asked. “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (verses 7, 9–10 niv). Are troubles making you claustrophobic? Shift your focus to the one who is ever present, ever faithful, and ever working out His plans for you.

Lord, You’ve not abandoned me in my troubles. Help me see You. Amen.

P owerful One

He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.

Amos 4:13 niv

Ever pondered the power of our Lord God Almighty? Meditating on God’s power can soothe our biggest worries and calm our deepest fears.

The Word of God speaks often of His power—we know He created our universe in less than a week. But if that’s too much to comprehend, consider the enormity of a single mountain or ocean. Those vast, mighty things came into being simply by God’s voice— and they’re only a tiny fraction of everything He made. What power!

The Lord opens the morning curtains to reveal the dawn and pulls the sky shades back at night to bring darkness. He plots the course of the wind, arranges for rainfall, and causes grass, crops, and trees to grow. He feeds the gigantic whales of the ocean, and every tiny little bird. If our Lord has enough knowledge and power to handle these jobs, surely He can (and will!) look after us.

Problems that seem insurmountable to us are simply a breath to Him. Let’s not be anxious today—God holds each one of us in the palm of His hand.

Lord God, You are my provider. Thank You for holding such power—and for choosing me to be Your child. Please give me a greater understanding of who You are, helping me to remember that You, the Lord God Almighty, love me.

An Extravagant God

Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Joel 2:13 nlt

There are often times when we are exhausted and discouraged and we allow our minds to roam to dark places. Despair and disappointment set in. A woe-is-me attitude prevails within us. How is it possible to rise from the doldrums? How do we continue? We turn our faces toward the Lord God and know He is in control.

Scripture tells of God’s mercy and loving-kindness. It speaks out and urges us to come back to God. This doesn’t necessarily mean a change of circumstances, but a change of heart. This change is a choice we intentionally make. It’s not necessary to be in a church building or a revival when we make this choice. While many changes happen there, ours can be in our closets, cars, or offices. We reach inwardly to the Highest and ask for His mercy. And scripture says He is merciful and full of grace. He hears our prayers. Focusing on the negative, choosing despair, doesn’t bring life. Voluntarily focusing on Jesus will. Praise Him for all your blessings: They are there; look for them. Some might be tiny, others magnificent. But they’re all because of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is a most patient God and extravagant in His love.

O heavenly Father, I praise Your name. You are extravagant in Your love, and I am grateful for all You’ve done. Amen.

Whispers of Love

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

Psalm 17:6–7 nlt

Like the psalmist David, you probably have a day now and then when you feel empty or alone. Maybe you struggle to keep nagging, negative thoughts at bay. In many of his psalms, David shared his challenges to keep his negative thoughts from imprisoning him. At first he would give in, but then as he remembered God’s faithfulness, he was able to break the tentacles of doubt.

When those self-assaulting thoughts come to the forefront of your mind, refuse the lies and focus on the many times God has come through for you. He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). He is with you always (Matthew 28:20). He has given you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Remind yourself of God’s Word, just as David did, and doing so will bring you back to your spiritual senses. As the light of God’s truth makes its way in, you will begin to break free. His promises remove the prison bars of doubt so that you can hope again. God is there—as He has always been. Listen quietly for the gentle whispers of His unfailing love.

Thank You, God, for Your whispers of love. When negative thoughts challenge me to give in and doubt, I will remember Your mercy, compassion, and faithfulness. Lord, hear my prayer.

Nightwatch

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Psalm 130:5–6 kjv

Waiting is a fundamental part of the human experience. A mother waits nine long months to hold her child. A father sits by the phone, hoping against hope his wayward child will call home.

The insomniac longs for sleep and waits for a reason to get up. The Christian waits for the Lord to act. For His return. For the day that faith will be sight.

Job understood that kind of waiting. In his grief, he said, “If only you would set me a time and then remember me!” (Job 14:13 niv). He had absolute confidence that day would come. “You will call and I will answer you” (Job 14:15 niv, emphasis added).

The psalmist matched Job’s confidence because with God comes forgiveness (see Psalm 130:4). His love never fails. With that confidence, wait for the morning.

Eternal God, when I wait in the dark, You prepare the sunrise of my new day. What I now glimpse in the shadows, I will one day see revealed in the full light. I thank You for the times Your flashlight shows me pieces of that final complete picture. Amen.

Favorite Child

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5 niv

Expectant parents often wonder what their future bundle of joy will look like. Whom will he most resemble? Will the baby have hair? How much will he weigh? There are so many questions. Though both parents had a part in the creation of this new little being, they are clueless as to exactly what kind of person their offspring will become. This was not the case with God when He called Jeremiah, who was already a young man. God wanted Jeremiah to know how vital he was. He had Jeremiah earmarked as special long before he was even born. God called him to play an important role in His plan. God the Father knows you as well. You too are one of His blessed children. He knew you long before you were born, and He knows you now. He calls to you and has you earmarked to play a role in His plan. You just need to be receptive to His call, to listen intently for His instruction, to know, believe, and trust that you are vital to His plan.

Dear Lord, help me remember that I am special to You. Open my ears to Your voice. I, Your faithful and loving child, am here to serve You, to answer Your call, and to spread Your Word.