“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy [steadfast love] endures forever” (Psalm 118:1).
Dear Praying Friends:
Yesterday, preaching on Romans 12 where Paul exhorts his readers “by the mercies of God,” our pastor reminded us that our first duty is to know, and immerse ourselves in, God’s love, and allow it to flow through us. That’s how Psalm 118 begins, with the affirmation that “his mercy [steadfast love] endures forever.”
The author of this powerful psalm – possibly David – was in deep distress. He was surrounded by whole nations who hated him, his sworn and deadly enemies, violent men who pushed him so hard he was about to fall (10-13). Furthermore, he saw these as attacks as coming, through wicked men, from God: “The LORD has chastened me severely” (18).
So, what did he do? He “called on the LORD in [his] distress,” fully believing that God was for him and on his side as his helper, and that “it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man,” even princes (5-9). He trusted that with God’s help, he would overcome his enemies, even destroy them (10-13). Despite his troubles, he affirmed, as Moses and Miriam did at the Red Sea, “the LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (14).
The consequence? He found that “the right hand of the LORD does valiantly, . . . is exalted . . . does valiantly,” and that though “the LORD has chastened me severely, . . . He has not given me over to death” (18).
What are your enemies? Mine include fear and worry that keep me awake at night. Of course, behind all our internal and external foes stands Satan, who would have us believe that God does not love us.
So, what should we do when overwhelmed by things too powerful for us? Meditate upon the love and mercy of God, and trust that he will help us to overcome and to do his will.
“I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation” (Psalm 118:21).
Yours in his victorious love,
Wright