2 Samuel 24:14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
Greetings in Grace Beautiful Ones,
Hope this message finds you well. I am overjoyed when I get the opportunity to come and connect with you via Godβs word. Not only when I’m sharing but also when I get to read π©π½βπ» your posts as well. Itβs such a blessing to be able to connect with my sisters and brothers all over the world. Regardless of physical location, situations, circumstances, demographics, or administration we are Godβs masterpiece and a beloved family, Glory be to our Lord & Savior Jesus! ππ½
I want to continue in the vein from a few posts ago, dealing with the mercies of God. Psalm 100:5 says βFor the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.β The word everlasting in that verse means enduring through all time, eternal, always, constant, and relentlessβ€οΈ. Bible hero David had such a revelation of Godβs mercy. When looking up the number of times mercy is mentioned in the book of Psalms it is noted a total of 99 times. In fact the book of Psalms uses the word mercy more than any other book in the bible.
In the passage above (2 Samuel 24) David makes a poor decision to number Israel & Judah (Godβs people) and is dealing with the consequences of his misbehavior. π© He is faced with having to choose whether he would suffer at the hand of God or at the hands of man. In verse 14 he petitions to be given over to Godβs mighty hand and not manβs. This is the same David in the book of Psalms who stated that if he ascends into heaven or makes his bed π in hell God is yet there. He knew that there was no place nor condition he could ever be in that God wasnβt present.
One of my favorite scriptures to pray ππ½ is 2 Timothy 2:13, if we are faithless he is faithful, he cannot deny himself. I remember a season when I was so overtaken in depression that it felt as if there was no way I’d ever come out. Even in moments where we are suffering, and unable to see Him, He sees us π and already has a plan in place to bring us out. Regardless of if we caused it, know it, believe it, or see it. This was revealed to David and caused him to proclaim FOR HIS MERCIES ARE GREAT!
In the post βMercy Mercy Meβ we talked about repentance and Godβs pity on us, remembering that we are yet clay. However, I wanted to pivot a little and focus on two other elements/synonyms for mercy, kindness and favor. I donβt watch the news much, but every now and then for prayer purposes πΊ I chime in. And my friend it often leaves me feeling a sense of heaviness. It breaks my heart π to see how callous and cold this world has become. Even sometimes during my daily adventures, I encounter others that seem to have no compassion, conscience, nor consideration for others, and it saddens me. Nevertheless we (you & I) must command our souls (mind, will, and emotions) to be of good cheerβ¦. God is near/here!
The word kindness is defined by Oxford as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. So even in a mean, stingy, selfish, and inconsiderate world that IS NOT how GOD is to usward. I donβt know about you but that makes me glad and geared up to be benevolent like our π₯° Father & Friend! The revelation of Godβs lovingkindness is such a comforting & conforming element of His nature that it encompasses every other thing working against us (inside & out)! This is why David could not be moved to cause harm to King Saul even though Saul had set himself out to kill him. A man indeed after Godβs own heart.
In conclusion friends I want to encourage you to be encouraged and look to the hillβs from which comes our help. God IS a very present help in the time of need/trouble. After we have suffered a while HE will strengthen πͺπ½& establish us. Let this mind me in us that was also in CHRIST JESUS, who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation. He was obedient even unto death (even the death of the cross). Rarely will a man suffer for a good man but HE died FOR US when we were yet sinners AND that we would have life (and have it more abundantly)! On that note friendβ¦ LIVE!!!
XOXO β¦Grace Love and Mercy π
Inscribed K. Joi πβ€οΈ
β₯β₯πΎππΈπ πͺπ!πβ₯β₯ 