Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Nehemiah 9:17,28 "But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them...(28) and many times you delivered them according to your mercies."



These verses popped out this morning, and as always, I needed to share the hope that God's Word provides us daily. I love how verse 17 describes God first. He is ready to forgive. We are going to mess up as sinful beings. When we recognize our sin and go to God, He is already waiting and ready to forgive us. He is gracious and merciful. Graciousness can be "characterized by...generosity of spirit," according to Merriam-Webster. Thirty-one, a consultant-based business of which I am a part, describes being gracious as "having a servant's heart." We see this aspect of God very present in his Son, Jesus' life. He is also merciful. Rather than treat us harshly and as we deserve, he forgives and offers kindness.  He came to us, demonstrating his kindness, compassion and a true servant's heart. Finally, He abounds in steadfast love. He is constant; His love is unchanging. 

Because of God's attributes, his character, he did not forsake and does not forsake us. He will not leave us; he does not abandon us or expect us to do it on our own. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that He "will never leave you nor forsake you," and just as God promised Joshua, his promise remains. 

In Nehemiah, this particular part of scripture is referring to Israel, God's chosen people. He delivered them. Not one. Not twice, but over and over and over again, whether it be from war, destruction or slavery - even a bad king!  He delivered his people and redirected them. God does the same for us when we find ourselves with the same daily battles, emotional, physical or spiritual.  Daily, we are being renewed, as it tells us in 2 Corinthian 4:16 "So we do not lose heart...our inner self is being renewed day by day." God is merciful, and according to his mercies, his character, his attributes, we know that daily we can seek him for new strength and mercy to battle our daily struggles. 

He will deliver us many times, just as he did Israel. Do you trust Him enough to look to Him daily and turn it all over to Him?  

I want to take a moment to pray for us today: 

"Dear Lord, thank you for all those that read this. My prayer is that they come away today feeling encouraged by who YOU are, Lord.  Lord, forgive me for my daily battle of yelling and frustration, when I should be patient and nurturing. I come desiring to serve you faithfully and with all of my heart (1 Samuel 12:24). Encourage us with your forgiveness, mercy, graciousness, patience and steadfast love for each of us. Thank you for delivering us and for never forsaking us. In Jesus' name, Amen." 




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