MERCIFUL GOD

Psalm 107:10-16 says, "Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God's commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron." Our God is a Holy God, and He rules with His commandments or laws with righteous justice. Anyone who disobeys His commandments is subject to His righteous judgment. However, those who would humble themselves before Him, ask for forgiveness, and repent from their disobedience, God would show them mercy by forgiving their sins and restoring their lives. Let those who have been forgiven give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and mercy.

We were once separated from God and subjected to His judgment. We were dead in our sins, yet when we believed in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we were forgiven of our sins and restored to our right relationship with our God. Our forgiveness cost our Heavenly Father greatly, but it was free for us because our Lord Jesus Christ did it all for us. Our Lord Jesus paid the penalty of our sins with His own blood on the cross. The blood represents life, so we were supposed to be the ones to shed our own blood on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, but our Lord Jesus took our place instead. God loves us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross on our behalf, so that when we believe in Him, we will not perish in our condemnation, but have eternal life (John 3:16).

In two more days, we will enter 2026. Let us renew our relationship with God by renewing our relationship with Him. No matter what we have done this year, God is able to forgive, only if we humble ourselves to Him, ask for forgiveness, and repent from our sinful lifestyle. Let us thank God for His unfailing love and mercy.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How do I renew my relationship with God? What happens when I keep on living my life in a sinful lifestyle? How does God show His unfailing love and mercy to me?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I humbly come before you and ask for forgiveness for all the sins that I have committed, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Please renew my relationship with you, and do not let my heart be hardened by any sins, for sin only leads me to despair, shame, and condemnation. But if my relationship with you is in the right place, I have inner peace, joy, and am full of hope. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.