#DailyDevotion Trust In The LORD Alone. He Is Merciful Forever.
Psalm 118 (On the way:) Thank the LORD because He is good and merciful forever. 2Israel should say, “He is merciful forever.” 3Aaron’s family should say, “He is merciful forever.” 4Those who fear the LORD should say, “He is merciful forever.”
This Psalm was probably sung on the way to the tabernacle and later the Temple. We have a call for thanksgiving to the LORD. The reason for this thanksgiving is the LORD is good and merciful forever. There then is a call to various groups to respond, three times, “He is merciful forever.” Now we know the LORD’s name revealed to Moses in Ex. 34:6 contains the revelation that He is full of mercy. Perhaps because our life is so full of strife that we need to be reminded of this. We may question, “If the LORD is so merciful, why do I experience all these tribulations?” We should remember we deserve far worse because of our sins. We may lie to ourselves thinking we aren’t all that bad. We don’t go around hurting other people. But what are the thoughts of our hearts? And the reality is, we hurt more people than we can ever know but chances are we justify ourselves thinking, “Well, they deserve it.” Where is our mercy then? Hmmmm?
Then we should also remember the mercy of the LORD includes discipline. So maybe we don’t always “deserve” the trials we are having. Perhaps they are there to purify and strengthen our faith in the LORD. Now isn’t that a merciful thing for Him to do?
5In my trouble I called on the LORD. The LORD answered me and set me free. 6The LORD is for me, I’m not afraid. What can man do to me? 7The LORD is for me; He helps me. I will gloat over those who hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust men. 9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust the best of men.
Speaking of trials and tribulations, here the LORD’s anointed, David, and then Christ our LORD, testify they had a trouble. In the trouble, they called out to the LORD. The LORD helped them. Verse six reminds me of Jesus’ teaching in Matt. 10, “28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body and can’t kill the soul, but fear Him who can destroy soul and body in hell.” We should always seek the help of the LORD in all our troubles. He is merciful forever. With the LORD on our side we should fear no person, no illness, no government, and no situation. When they come against us, we should turn to the LORD and hand these things over to Him and then sing a hymn of praise and thanksgiving trusting He has heard us.
Verses eight and nine are a wake up call for those of us who put our trust in politicians and political parties. We cannot trust them. We just can’t. We should not act insanely and keep putting our trust in them to do good and help our situations. I’m not saying you can’t be involved in those processes. But do so realistically. God says don’t put your trust in men, even the best of men. Our trust should be in God, the LORD alone. We have the name of Jesus. Why should we get ourselves all wrapped up in fear, worry, and anxiety about what is going on in the world? Don’t we trust in the LORD? Don’t we trust in His righteousness? Don’t we believe Jesus is coming to judge the living and the dead? Do we not believe we are worth more to God our Father than many sparrows?
So cast all your cares on the LORD because He cares for you. (Peter) Let the One who has all power, all might, all wisdom, all knowledge, and who is merciful forever deal with all these things. Only He is able to help. Only He is able to intervene and do what is right for us. He may use men, politicians, political parties, governments and situations to be the answer to our prayers, but let Him and trust Him to do it. Trusting in the LORD, you sit comfortably in your own britches and panties for we know and believe He has our best interest in mind.
Heavenly Father, give us Your Holy Spirit that we may believe in Your mercy, call upon You in all our troubles and rest in Your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.