Thirsty for Mercy

Recently I discovered a connection I had never noticed before:  the correlation between receiving mercy from God and courageous strength.  Many times in scripture the exhortation is given by God and devout souls who feared God:  "Be strong!"  The glory of young men is their strength, but it is not by lifting weights and physical exercise that brings this strength.  Spiritual strength is derived only from God through faith and experienced as we obey.

The Bible is filled with examples of people who triumphed over their enemies - not because they were physically stronger, had larger armies, better weapons or training, or held a strategic advantage - but because they trusted God and obeyed Him.  There are also examples of people who faced unbearable suffering and horrendous circumstances.  Strength from God was needed just to endure the day, for their lives hung by a thread.  This is the sad condition faced by God's people in the Lamentations of Jeremiah.  God punished those in Jerusalem for their sins through cruel enemies, and people were dying in the streets during the siege.  The first few chapters of Lamentations paint a picture so bleak, so horrible, it is truly beyond comprehension.  The enemies were closing in, God had shut out the prayers of His people, and death loomed ever closer.

Lamentations 3:18-25 records the words of the prophet:  "And I said, "My strength and my hope have perished from the LORD." ¹⁹ Remember my affliction and roaming, the wormwood and the gall. ²⁰ My soul still remembers and sinks within me. ²¹ This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. ²² Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ²⁴ "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" ²⁵ The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him."  Out of the deepest, darkest depression, Jeremiah's heart shifts away from suffering to the God who loves him.  It was in remembering God's goodness, mercy, and compassion when the light of divine hope shone upon Jeremiah's mind and heart.  He realised it was only by God's grace and mercies which were new every morning which brought strength and salvation.  In the darkest pit, God's goodness still shines bright because God is always faithful, merciful, and good.

In 2 Corinthians 4:1 Paul wrote, "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."  God is merciful and His mercies are new every morning for great is His faithfulness.  These mercies are received by faith in God.  Paul recognised the connection between receiving mercy from God and in doing so finding strength and courage to serve God.  Things were not easy for Paul, and life is no easier for us.  God does not change, and He remains ever merciful.  When you lose heart, remember to turn your eyes back to God again.  Receive the mercy He has graciously provided for you today.  As we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.  We can lose heart, but we don't have to!