Saturday Morning Reflections for June 7th 2025

 

Saturday Morning Reflections: The Stillness and the Promise (7:45 AM CDT, Saturday, June 7th, 2025, Shreveport, Louisiana)

As I settle onto my front porch in Shreveport this morning, the air is wonderfully cool and crisp, carrying the subtle scent of blooming jasmine from the neighborhood. A gentle breeze whispers through, and the first golden hints of the rising sun are just beginning to paint the eastern sky, signaling the start of a brand new day. It's in these tranquil, early moments that I find myself drawn into reflection.

This stillness, this quiet before the world fully awakens, feels like a sacred space. It reminds me of the profound invitation in Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God." In these moments, free from the week's demands and the day's coming tasks, there's a unique opportunity to quiet our minds, to tune out the internal chatter and external noise, and simply acknowledge God's ever-present reality.

My thoughts often drift to the concept of new beginnings that each dawn brings. Just as the darkness gives way to light, so too does God offer us fresh mercies and opportunities for renewal. Lamentations 3:22-23 perfectly captures this truth: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This isn't merely a poetic verse; it's a living promise, a daily reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to us, regardless of yesterday's struggles or triumphs.

This porch time also offers a chance to simply be present. We live in a world that constantly pulls us forward or backward, but this morning, there's an anchor in the now. It's about savoring the warmth of the coffee, feeling the cool breeze, and appreciating the simple gift of breath in our lungs. This presence allows us to cultivate gratitude for the countless small blessings that often go unnoticed. Psalm 118:24 reminds us to embrace this very moment: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

As the Shreveport sun ascends higher, bringing light and warmth to the Highland neighborhood, may this quiet reflection on the porch set a tone of peace and intentionality for the rest of our Saturday. Let's carry this stillness and this awareness of God's goodness with us, remembering to "be still and know" that He is God, and to find our strength and joy in Him throughout the entire day.