Have Mercy on Me, O God

Chuckle: A wise old farmer's advice: "A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor."

Quote: “If you are going to err, err on the side of mercy.” –Ellen G. White – Wikiquote

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1 NIV).

Mercy is defined in the Dictionary as: "Kindness, especially to a wrongdoer or enemy, that is greater than might be expected or deserved -- the power to forgive or be kind." In Scripture, the word "mercy" means grace, kindness, and compassion, usually on behalf of those incapable of helping themselves, despite their unworthiness. Often it denotes mercy by those with power over the ones to whom mercy is granted.

King David wrote Psalm 51 after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. David was devastated by his guilt, remorse, and depression because of the great sins he had committed against God. If you recall, David slept with Bathsheba, and then had her husband, Uriah, killed so he could have Bathsheba for himself. Can you imagine a Godly man like David committing these sins? Remember, he was crowned King by God Himself because of his strong faith and spotless character?

So, what causes kings and people like you and me to commit sins against others and against God? You may have heard this saying: "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." David was a powerful king and as such nothing was denied him. He had total power over people of his kingdom, and he gave in to temptation and yielded to the basic lusts of the flesh. In his sorrow and remorse, David came to his senses and concluded that he did not deserve forgiveness and prostrated himself before God and pled for mercy. He knew he deserved justice, not mercy or grace. Justice is receiving what we deserve. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Mercy is not receiving what we deserve.

The story has been told of a mother who sought from Napoleon the pardon of her son. The emperor said it was the man's second offense, and justice demanded his death. "I don't ask for justice," said the mother, "I plead for mercy." "But," said the emperor, "he does not deserve mercy." "Sir," cried the mother, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask." "Well, then," said the emperor, "I will show mercy." And her son was saved.

We who are Christians can easily find ourselves in the same predicament as David if we stray from our Lord and yield to the world's temptations. You may have sins in your life that have left you with extreme guilt, regret, and depression. If so, please remember that God has made provisions for us because of His great mercy. We can take our sinful dirty laundry to Him with an attitude of genuine repentance, and He will forgive us, cleanse us, and restore us in the same way He did for King David (1 John 1:9). We must do as David did and depend on God's mercy.

Love, Jerry & Dotse