God's Mercy

Valentine's Day is a day that has been set aside as a day to express love and affection. Cards and candy, gifts and flowers are given freely and are usually intended to make a statement of appreciation and love to someone who has a special place in our heart.

We read in Psalm 23 that the “goodness and mercy of God will follow us all the days of our lives.” But the word mercy is best translated “love” – a love that is not readily visible in our world but is vitally needed by each of us. It is God’s love that we can only know and experience through His promises.

Rather than being pursued and punished by a god who is angry with us for breaking his laws, we have a God who pursues us and promises to provide for our every need from His limitless love and grace. It is this God that David knew and trusted. It is this God that David knew that he could go to for hope and help, healing and forgiveness. It is this God that David knew could be trusted to protect him in times of trouble. It is this God that David knew.

And, we too can come to know this God as David knew Him. And, we too can come to trust Him as David trusted Him. If we chose. 

When we speak of God’s love, we speak of a love that comes first from loyalty – He will never leave us nor abandon us. We know that it is a love that will surround us and sustain us with care and compassion. We know that this love will be available to meet our every need every day. Accept His love by accepting His Son.

Prayer: We thank You, loving Father, for a love that is never ending, always available, and freely given to us through Your Son, our Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 

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God's Mercy

February 14 is a day that has been set aside as a day to express love and affection. Cards and candy, gifts and flowers are given freely and are usually intended to make a statement of appreciation to someone who has a special place in our heart.

We read in Psalm 23 that the “goodness and mercy of God will follow us all the days of our lives.” But the word mercy is best translated “love” – a love that is not readily visible in our world but is vitally needed by each of us. It is God’s love that we can only know and experience through His promises.

Rather than being pursued and punished by a god who is angry with us for breaking his laws, we have a God who pursues us and promises to provide for our every need from His limitless love and grace. It is this God that David knew and trusted. It is this God that David knew that he could go to for hope and help, love and forgiveness. It is this God that David knew could be trusted to protect him in times of trouble. It is this God that David knew.

And, we too can come to know this God as David knew Him. And, we too can come to trust Him as David trusted Him.

When we speak of God’s love, we speak of a love that comes first from loyalty – He will never leave us nor abandon us. We know that it is a love that will surround us with care and compassion. We know that this love will be available to meet our every need every day.

Prayer: We thank You, loving Father, for a love that is never ending, always available and freely given. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Great Hands And Greater Heart

Our Lord has hands that give and a heart that forgives. The closing words of David in Psalm 23 exclaim, “Surely your goodness and unfailing mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life!”

The word goodness in this verse refers to all of the gracious gifts that God will lavishly bestow on those who are His own. It includes kindness, love and loyalty as well as the fact that He will meet our every physical need.

Mercy in this verse assures us that the Lord will forgive our sins when we call on Him. It leaves no doubt that our God is the “God of mercy.” He alone is responsible for providing the gift of His salvation to those who call upon Him. And furthermore, it assures us that He will forgive us for those times when we fail Him and sin as we strive to grow into the likeness of His Son and, unfortunately, fail.

This goodness and mercy that David writes about are neither conditional nor temporary. It is with us today and will be with us as long as we live – “all the days of our lives” – that is, until we enter His house and dwell with Him forever more.

How wonderful it is to know that our Lord goes before us and is always alongside of us waiting to meet our every need – spiritually, emotionally and physically.
What a wonderful Shepherd is ours!

Prayer: Lord, we rejoice in the greatness of our salvation, knowing that we need fear nothing or no one because You are with us all day, every day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.