by Faye Schmidt

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Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (Psalm 90:14).

Read Psalm 90:12–17

When we have eaten a meal, we often refer to ourselves as being satisfied – we have eaten sufficient for our needs.

In our school days, we may have received a note on our report card that our performance was satisfactory. This indicates that we met the standard required.

If we have applied for a new job, the assessment may be that we have satisfied the key selection criteria.

In every case, to be satisfied implies that we have met a marker. We have not exceeded it. We have not achieved more than what was required, and the issues were satisfied.

In our psalm today, the prayer to God is that he ‘satisfy us’. We leave it to God to determine what that will require and how it will be done.

Paul had been pleading with God to remove the thorn from his side when, in 2 Corinthians 12:9, we read, ‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me’.

What is sufficient for us, what God satisfies us with, is his grace. That is all we need. His grace and mercy to which we respond with joy and gladness all our days.

Our circumstances may be such that in the morning, we do not feel like being glad and joyful in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. But the promise of God is that through his grace, there is hope, joy and gladness in knowing that he is beside us, walking with us and providing all that we need for our life of faith in him and his promises.

On my waking and sleeping, Lord, may I always be glad and give praise for your unfailing love and grace. Amen.

Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.