Overwhelmed by God’s Mercy

As the psalmist considered the history of his people, he realized how often they had sinned and disobeyed God. How often they had sinned and forgotten His Word. How often they had gone their own way.

They “did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert.” They rebelled, “committed iniquity,” and did wicked things. Then, they complained, despised the pleasant land where He brought them, and did not obey His voice.

But, in spite of all these things, He still had been merciful toward them. They may have failed and fallen short, but He still blessed, protected, guided, and saved them. Looking back, the psalmist saw just how merciful God was, and how good He had been. Yet His people didn’t seem to realize how much they had depended upon that mercy.

Having realized the revelations from history, the psalmist looked to his own life, and his own time. He cried, “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.” He realized that he and his people needed to thank God for His mercy and all that He had done for them!

Today, think about your own life. How has God shown His mercy to you? Have you forgotten His promises? Do not take Him for granted. Remember that He loves you, and you can depend upon Him. Trust in Him. Obey Him. Thank Him. Praise Him. And dedicate your life and your resources to serving Him.