Hebrews 4:16

Let us then come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Mercy in the Morning

Have you ever thought of what mercy really means?


Mercy is defined as that benevolence , mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forebear punishment, or inflect less than law or justice will warrant.



Mercy is synonymous with grace.


Grace is undeserved favor from God. Grace was bought on the cross. Grace gives us entrance into the throne room. Grace allows us the freedom to be human... humble.. real.


In scripture we find that God shows mercy to those who ask for it; commands mercy rather than sacrifice, delights in showing mercy, sits on the seat of mercy.( 1 Tim 1:15; Matt. 9:13; 12:7; Zech. 7:9; Hosea 6:6, Luke 10:37;Exodus 25:20)




I see in Proverbs 20:29 that mercy protects, preserves and upholds the King.



Mercy and truth meet in Psalm 85:10 and it says that righteousness and peace kiss as a result.



One who pursues mercy finds life, righteousness and honor.



Mercy brings healing. ( Psalm 41:46)



Someone who is merciful obtains mercy. ( Matthew 5:7)



We receive mercy through grace. ( Hebrews 4:16)



Titus 3:5 tells us we are saved by mercy



1 Peter 1:3 says that the new birth is a result of His boundless mercy.



We are told in Jude 1:21 to keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.



James 3:17 tells us wisdom is full of mercy



Psalm 119:132 shows us Gods love by his mercy towards us.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.. He desires this more than sacrifice. We cry to Him for mercy, and we should.. we need it.. yet do we understand the full effect of His mercy?

The scripture that is continually present when I think of mercy is Lamentations 3:22-26

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. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

So many times in this journey called life I find myself stumbling. I find that I have missed the mark one more time. Maybe it was my inability to be patient, my lack of love for another person, my unwillingness to rejoice in trials and tribulations, my desire to serve myself rather than those God has put directly in my path..... and on and on. :)

So many times I find that I come to the Lord with my palms up, my heart burdened and my mouth filled with a confession. I want to please Him, yet to please Him I must live a life of faith. ( Hebrews 11:6, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38, Galations 3:11, Habakkuk 2:4) When I am so caught up in my own thoughts I am really not living in faith.

You see He tells us directly in His Word who we are in Christ. He reminds us over and over that we have victory because Christ has already defeated the enemy and conquered the grave. (1 Cor 15:57, 2 Cor 2:14) We are seated in heavenly realms. (Eph 2:6)

I realize too that without knowing of His mercy, then I often fail to extend that mercy to others.

Why do we expect so much of each other? Why to we place unrealistic expectations on people in our lives? We are looking everywhere but to the One who is the provider for all our needs. Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Do we doubt He will fulfill his Word?

1 Kings 8:56 tells us that not one word of His has failed of all His good and precious promises.

Psalm 119:160 says that His word is true from the very beginning and his righteous judgements will endure forever.

Mark 13:31 tells us that heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of God will not.

Can we look at mercy with eyes that lack faith? Can we see it for what it truly is? Can we know in the depth of our heart the release that has taken place when we have been extended the holy scepter and welcomed into the court of the King?

I read Ruth's story with new eyes now. I look at the mercy received at the hand of an earthly king and marvel at the manner in which we receive from our Heavenly Father who knows how to give good gifts. (Luke 11:13)

Every good gift comes from the Father of Lights ( James 1:17).

We are the heirs of divine grace and mercy which is open to us every day. The mercy seat is occupied! He is dispensing to the overflow the abundance of His light into our lives and all we really need to do is receive it. Receive the grace and then be one who extends the gift to others. Embrace the love He has for others and make it an aim to share that love. Remember that we are all sinners who have fallen far short of the glory of God. ( Romans 3:23)

Mercy like rain,

it falls around me.

Mercy like rain,

it covers my soul.

I see His love

revealed in glory

Mercy like rain,

wash over me.

Mercy like rain,

fill my emptiness.

Mercy like rain,

cleanse my wounds.

I feel his grace,

abounding towards me.

Mercy like rain,

healing me.

Mercy brings hope, joy and promise

Mercy shows light and love through grace.

Mercy defines the beauty of holiness.

Mercy is mine through His sacrifice.

In awe of Christ!

Blessings!

1 comment:

  1. I enjoyed reading this, Dawn. It was just what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you for writing it! :O)

    Love,
    Chris

    ReplyDelete