Reflections On Psalms 118
Today, we study the Book of Psalms Chapter One hundred and Eighteen where THE EVERLASTING MERCY of The Lord is proclaimed.
Theme:
“His Mercy Endures Forever”
Key Scripture
Psalms 118:1
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, For He is good! For His Mercy Endures forever”
Reflection
“MERCY BEGETS MERCY”
Mercy in the Bible describes FORGIVENESS or “WITHHOLDING PUNISHMENT” from a confirmed Offender/ Sinner.
The Bible emphatically declares that “GOD IS LOVE” (1 John 4 :16) and that “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON”
(John 3:16)
God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his Son, Christ Jesus, on the Cross to pay the price for our sins – While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ( Romans 5:8)
Benefits Of God’s Mercy
1. Mercy is Everlasting
( Psalms 103:17)
2. Jesus crucified for our sins
3. We are JUSTIFIED by Faith
4. We enjoy His LOVING KINDNESS
5. Divine Preservation – We are Not Consumed
(Lamentations 3:22-24)
6. Mercy Prevails over Judgement.
(James 2:13)
Our Response
1. The Fear of The Lord and Hope in His Mercy
(Psalms 147:11)
2. Created unto Good Works
( Ephesians 2:10)
3. Show Forth His Glory
4. Be Merciful
“Be Merciful”
Our Lord Jesus enjoined us : “Therefore be merciful, just as your father also is merciful”
(Luke 6:35-36)
Do Not Forget
* Show Kindness
* Love Your Enemies
* Do Good
* Lend
* Continue to be a Son of The Most High
(Luke 6:35-36)
Prayers
Have Mercy upon me O God, According to your loving kindness, According to the multitude of your tender Mercies”
(Psalms 51:1)
Scriptures
Psalms 118:1
Psalms 118:29
1 John 4:16
John 3:16
Lamentations 3:22-24
James 2:13
Ps 147 :11
Ephesians 2:10
Luke 6:35-36
Psalms 51:1
Thoughts on Psalms 119:133- 176
Establish my footsteps in [the way of] Your word; Do not let any human weakness have power over me [causing me to be separated from You].
Psalms 119:133 (AMP)
From the start of this week, our daily readings have been extracted from the longest chapter in the Bible- Psalms 119. I trust we have received great insights and our love for His word re-ignited.
Meditating on verse 133 above brought Psalm 103:13-14(NLT) to my mind….The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust
From this scripture, we have an understanding that to be weak is not a sin. However, the psalmist in verse 133 of today’s reading wants us to be awakened to the grave consequence that may arise from our human weaknesses- the potential to separate us from God.
The good news for us however, is that God is not unaware of our weaknesses. But if we give Him room, He uses them to accomplish His purposes.
Examples abound in the Bible of men that were in this category but I believe a good example is the man Moses. We can learn a lot from the account of his life and his story demonstrates how the Lord uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purpose.
We recall from Exodus chapter three that Moses was hesitant to answer God’s call because he felt inadequate and was slow of speech(in a manner showing us that he was not in denial of the weaknesses he had. We must also acknowledge our weaknesses before God).
Moses also struggled with anger, as evidenced by when he struck and killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12).
Yet, in God’s strength, this same Moses led the entire nation of Israel out of their captivity in Egypt, provided them with counsel, led them in battle, and helped them obey the Lord’s commands.
Not only did the Lord equip him with the skills he needed to lead, but He also revealed himself to Moses in a personal way. In Exodus 33:11, we are told…the Lord speaks to Moses face to face as a person speaks to a friend.
Moses’ example is a reminder to us that no matter how fallible we are, our Redeemer is strong. And like apostle Paul we can hold to His word in 2 Corin 12:9…. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”
Let us therefore pray that our footsteps be established in the way of the Lord. May our weaknesses never lead us away from God in Jesus name 🙏
