MERCY:Compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: “Have mercy on the poor sinner.” [dictionary.com]
I’ve heard it explained this way:
GRACE is God giving us what we don’t deserve.
MERCY is God not giving us what we deserve.
[used with permission]
When this sweet girl sang this song at our church on Wednesday night, I found myself completely overwhelmed. When I let the truth of this simple song resonate in my heart, the result is absolute awe.
I am reminded once again of GOD’S GREAT MERCY and the truth that it comes completely undeserved.
The Bible states very clearly, “…the rain falls on the just and the unjust… “(Matthew 5:45), speaking of the truth that in our fallen, sinful world bad things will happen–even to good people.
Sometimes difficulties come because of the consequences of our own sin; sometimes difficulties come because of the consequences of someone else’s sin.
Then there are times when the difficulties come, and there is no clear answer on this side of heaven why. It’s in those moments that our faith is most tested, and we have to choose to trust a loving God to get us through even though we don’t understand.
“Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy,
and is rising up to show you compassion,
for the Lord is a just God.
All who wait patiently for Him are happy.” Isaiah 30:18
and is rising up to show you compassion,
for the Lord is a just God.
All who wait patiently for Him are happy.” Isaiah 30:18
My pastor-husband often says, “why is it that when bad things happen to us, we question God, and ask “why me?”–then when the good things happen, and we are blessed, we don’t ask the same question.
WHY IS IT that God chooses to love us even when we don’t deserve it? Why would He not punish us for ignoring Him or defying Him? God is a Holy, Righteous God and more often than we realize, He is patiently waiting–withholding judgement–eager to hand out mercy and grace.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” Ephesians 2:4-5
Many times in my life God has spoken to me through music. Our choice to worship is never based on the style of music or the person singing it–it comes from the heart… and when I “open the eyes of my heart”, God speaks. If my goal is to sing songs I enjoy or to focus on the one singing, I will walk away disappointed and empty–but if I enter into an attitude of worship, with my focus on God, and my soul desire is to seek Him–He promises to meet me there.
Music has always been a part of my life. I barely remember any of the sermons from my childhood, and only one verse from the Bible that I remember memorizing, but I still remember a lot of the songs: There’s Just Something About That Name; I Need Thee Every Hour; City of Gold; I’ll Fly Away; The Lighthouse… (Does that bring back memories?)
God gave us this gift of music, and whether it’s an old hymn or a Psalm of praise or a simple chorus sung by a child, I love that He puts those melodies in our heart.
Thank you, precious girl, for sharing your beautiful gift. I know it was sweet music to our Father’s ears.
~~Vickie
Categories: Bible, Christianity, Communication, Faith, Inspiration, Truth from Scripture, Video
wateringcanblog 
I’m so grateful to God for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I love your story that describes His involvement in our lives. It’s as if the Spirit of Truth within you caught the Truth coming out through the young girl in the words of the song. Like a special gift sent and received into yourself by the Spirit of Truth confirming the reality of God within you, invisibly and mysteriously creating a greater love for Him and desire to follow Him. Our God is so awesome!
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