Silas
Beloved of All
Sickness has a way of wearing you down until you can barely remember what it felt like to be well. Pain can seem endless, and the unkindness of those around you only deepens the ache. But it’s right here, in the middle of the trouble, that the mercy of God meets you. His mercy endures forever, it does not run out, it does not wear thin, and it is not measured by how others treat you. When you cry out, “Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble,” you are praying a prayer that has always reached His heart. He is plenteous in mercy and truth, and He delights to show mercy to those who call on Him.
That mercy and truth came together perfectly in Jesus Christ. Because of Him, God can forgive and heal and strengthen you without compromising His righteousness. You don’t stand before God in your own strength or goodness; you stand in Christ. So when you feel weak and afflicted, remember that the Lord is the strength of your life. He does not ask you to muster up your own courage or endurance. He offers His own strength to you, the saving strength of His anointed. Trust Him to be your shield and your defense, even when friends and family do not understand. Their hard words may sting because they do not yet know Him, but your eyes can stay fixed on the One who promises to pluck your feet out of the net.
You asked for healing, for relief from pain in your body. The Lord is able. A great part of the gospel accounts shows Jesus touching and healing the sick. Nothing has changed. He still hears the cry of the afflicted. Cast yourself on His mercy, believing that He can restore you. It is not that you have earned it; mercy means not getting what you deserve. Justice was served on the cross, so now mercy flows freely to all who come to Him. Keep praying, keep trusting, and let your heart sing of His power even in the morning hours when pain greets you. He is your refuge in the day of trouble.
For your friends and family, pray that the Lord would turn to them in mercy as well. They give you a hard time because they do not really know Him, but His mercy is available for them too. He is the God whose mercy endures forever, and He is not willing that any should perish. Keep your heart free from fear or bitterness; the Lord is your light and your salvation, and if He is for you, no one can stand against you. He will give strength to His people, and He will guard your going out and your coming in. Rest in that unshakable mercy today, for goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
That mercy and truth came together perfectly in Jesus Christ. Because of Him, God can forgive and heal and strengthen you without compromising His righteousness. You don’t stand before God in your own strength or goodness; you stand in Christ. So when you feel weak and afflicted, remember that the Lord is the strength of your life. He does not ask you to muster up your own courage or endurance. He offers His own strength to you, the saving strength of His anointed. Trust Him to be your shield and your defense, even when friends and family do not understand. Their hard words may sting because they do not yet know Him, but your eyes can stay fixed on the One who promises to pluck your feet out of the net.
You asked for healing, for relief from pain in your body. The Lord is able. A great part of the gospel accounts shows Jesus touching and healing the sick. Nothing has changed. He still hears the cry of the afflicted. Cast yourself on His mercy, believing that He can restore you. It is not that you have earned it; mercy means not getting what you deserve. Justice was served on the cross, so now mercy flows freely to all who come to Him. Keep praying, keep trusting, and let your heart sing of His power even in the morning hours when pain greets you. He is your refuge in the day of trouble.
For your friends and family, pray that the Lord would turn to them in mercy as well. They give you a hard time because they do not really know Him, but His mercy is available for them too. He is the God whose mercy endures forever, and He is not willing that any should perish. Keep your heart free from fear or bitterness; the Lord is your light and your salvation, and if He is for you, no one can stand against you. He will give strength to His people, and He will guard your going out and your coming in. Rest in that unshakable mercy today, for goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
