A Merciful God

Psalm 25:16

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

The Psalmist David, was always willing to bare his soul and in his writings we get an honest look into the heart of a man who wrestled with his faith in God. All of the Psalms give us a very complete picture of the character and nature of God but I have felt that there are three essential things every person should know about the Lord. First, GOD IS GOOD. Even David was appealing in this verse to the favor or graciousness of God because the Lord demonstrated over and over that He is good and wants to do good for us.

Secondly, GOD WILL HOLD US ACCOUNTABLE. God knows even the inner motives of our hearts and will bring every thought and act into judgment. When we eventually face Him, we will be judged, not by comparison to what everyone else has done, but by the standard of His law.

Thirdly, GOD IS MERCIFUL. In this chapter, David asked for forgiveness for his sin because He knew that God has always offered mercy to those who humble themselves and cry out to Him to be saved. But David also knew that God does not always spare us from the consequences of our sin. At the end of his life his children did not seek God and his nation was a wreck.

Do we have hope that God will be gracious and turn our lives and circumstances around? YES, we cry out with that hope because He can! David said, "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage." Does the Lord promise that our lives will be easy? No, He is carrying out His plans for you and that might involve His work like a potter molding you into His image. Your patience to see Him at work and your confidence in the outcome will strengthen your faith. Don't give up but be strong. Be strong!!