The Lord is full of Mercy

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:8,10).

Few years ago, a particular Korean lady, ravaged by cancer and left with a few moments to live, was brought to a revival meeting presided over by a distinguished servant of God. During the prayer/ministrations, the power of God struck her and she was instantly healed and delivered. She was so amazed and wondered why God healed her because she never knew Jesus, neither had she been to church before. This was nothing short of a miracle of mercy.
This is God’s benevolent act which the psalmist, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, acknowledged in our text today. He noted with excitement the manifold benefits of God to him: forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption from destruction, love and mercies bestowed, provisions, good health and sound mind and God’s righteous judgements. The psalmist, with awe, acknowledged God’s nature and attributes juxtaposing this with the brevity of man’s love. He also exhorted and beckoned on angels and ministers of God’s entire creation to bless the Lord.
The psalmist’s upbeat attitude speaks conversely of some who think that all the benefits of protection, success in business and career, good health and sound mind, are the result of their personal righteousness and good deeds. Curiously, they fail to recognize the need to experience God’s gracious act which should culminate in the salvation of their soul and consequently for them to be of service to His kingdom. All the benefits we have received are acts of God’s mercies. We do not merit them.
God is the Almighty Creator who must be revered and venerated by His creatures. To the redeemed who have tasted of His saving grace, appreciation and gratitude must proceed from their lips naturally. To those who do not know how to acknowledge God’s undeserved benevolence and unmerited favour, it is simply indicative of one thing: the absence of Christ in the heart. For such, a total surrender of his life to Christ will be first step to gratefulness.

Thought for the day:To praise the Lord is to acknowledge His greatness.