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)

Do you remember the All Day Song from camp days?

Love Him in the morning

when you see the sun arising;

Love Him in the evening

’cause He took you through the day.

I found a little book in my library by John Fischer, the composer, of this song written in 1972, and have been reading it during my devotional time each morning. He takes it line by line and gives expression, context, and personal applications that have stirred me and reminded me of my Father’s love and presence.

I loved going to camp and had my first experience when I was nine years old at Forest Home Christian Conference Center. I lived in the dorm with 6 other girls and our counselor. I will never forget the night when she gathered us all on a couple of bunks and explained the story of salvation and asked that if anyone wanted to pray to receive Jesus as Savior, to join her as she prayed. I prayed with her and when she was finished, I started to cry. She shooed the other girls out of the room and asked me what was wrong.

“You went so deep,” I answered. I think that was little-girl-speak for being overwhelmed with the love of Jesus and what He did for me on the cross.

We had a campfire a couple of nights later and the leader asked that if anyone wanted to speak to feel free to stand up and tell the group what had happened to them that week. I stood up. Jesus had saved me.

Before I left camp, my counselor took me aside and gave me words of encouragement that still echo in my heart.

Remember that He loves you

and He promises to stay.

If your day is full of chaos, worry, and fear, go online to YouTube and listen to the All Day Song. Be prepared to have it running through your head all day…but that’s OK. Jesus will encourage you with each phrase and give you hope.