By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As August unfolds in golden light and gentle warmth (except in Oklahoma there’s nothing gentle about the warmth), we’re reminded of God’s unwavering love that carries us through each season. In the words of Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV): “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” These verses promise that no matter what yesterday held, God’s mercies greet us fresh with each dawn.

Every sunrise is a living testimony to God’s faithfulness. Even when challenges weigh heavy, we can rest in the assurance that His compassion is renewed and His mercies are fresh. This month I encourage you to:
Begin each day by reading Lamentations 3 aloud.

Pause for a “mercy moment”—a deep breath of gratitude for today’s gift.

Write one way you saw God’s kindness yesterday and carry that hope into the morning.

Trust grows when we practice waiting on the Lord and watching Him move on our behalf. Remind yourself daily of the blessings you have received and then take a moment of gratitude to express
your appreciation to the Father for His never-ending faithfulness. As gratitude becomes our daily theme, our trust in our loving God increases exponentially.

At Trinity Woods, there are many opportunities to share personal stories of God’s faithfulness. With our shared stories, we strengthen each other. Whenever we gather or see our neighbors anywhere, those stories become living proof that He never fails. We are all benefactors of God’s faithfulness and fresh mercies and our lives are living proof of this very fact.

As summer’s heat gives way to cooler breezes, we can carry August’s lessons into every tomorrow. God’s faithfulness anchors us, guiding each step with unwavering care.

Therefore, with hearts full of gratitude, let us celebrate that in every season and circumstance, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

GRATITUDE SCRIPTURES (NIV)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” — Psalm 100:4

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17

PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
Take a moment each day to pray this simple prayer of gratitude. Modify it and make it your own personal prayer of gratitude.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts overflowing with thanks. For the gift of life, for each breath we take, and for the blessings seen and unseen that fill our days – we are grateful.

Thank You for the strength You grant us in times of weakness, for Your guidance when our paths seem unclear, and for the peace that surpasses understanding.

We thank You for the love of family and friends, for the joy of community, and for the opportunities to serve others in Your name. Help us to recognize Your hand in every moment and to live each day with a spirit of thankfulness.

Lord may our gratitude not only dwell in words but be evident in our actions – serving with kindness, loving without condition, and walking humbly before you.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.