“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalm 51:1-15
The wide blanket of mercy had fallen on King David. It had inflicted the misery of mental and physical agony to cause him to know his ugly evil sin. It convinced him that his sin was an affront to the Lord and His holiness, uprightness, and truth. It convicted him with guilt that cried out for its loving embrace and cleansing. It filled him with the hope of restoration. Only a merciful God could do so much with mercy. (Psalm 32:1-5)
How much do we know of the mercy of God? According to His mercy, He extends mercy. It defines both His character and interactions with His beloved children. Do we recognize its reach into our lives? If we are saved, we have been enveloped by its wide strong arms. But constant mind buzz and activity easily take us far from a keen awareness of mercy through our hours: insight that cautions and inspires, conscience that pokes and directs, nearness that fortifies and comforts.
It is God’s mercy that stings when we begin to go astray, and warms the heart toward the needy. It is mercy that warns of harsh consequences, convicts of guilt, and soothes with forgiveness. Are we seeking it from the One whose nature is mercy, bringing every care under its cover? Do we see it, feel it, welcome its activity? Are we grateful that mercy goes before us, works on us, upholds us, and follows us all our days? If so, would we open our lips and declare God’s praise? Marveling at the mercy of God and its wide reach in our every day brings security, confidence, and joyful praise. (Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 23:6)
My Lord, keep me aware of, dependent on, and thankful for Your daily mercies to me, and help me extend bountiful mercy to others in Your name.
As the rain and snow 