Miraculous Mercy

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 10:19

Last night I did not keep my mouth shut when a Christlike response was warranted! It was late, I was tired and hungry, and I still had “piles to go” before I slept (thank you again, Robert Frost).

Well, I caved under the temptation to sin. No excuses. Too much talk that I did not mean rolled off my lazy lips. I continued in this sorry state by going to bed angry, which God instructs us not to do. Needless to say, I tossed and turned all night!

First thing in the morning, I ran to God and His Word, where I knew I would find mercy and grace. I plopped into my spot and said, “Lord, how can I write devotions when I sinned against You and my wonderful husband last night? Lord, forgive me.”

I opened my One Year Bible and discovered that day’s reading was Psalm 40:11-12. Just wait till you hear what God said through David that my heart echoed loud and clear: “LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.”

The tears of repentance are falling, and the anticipation of restoration is awaiting. I can’t see well right now as I write. But God sees me! He sees me and speaks clearly to my heart from His Word. He does not withhold His mercy. He does not treat me as my sins deserve. His love and His truth protect me. His love and truth protect you, too!

I can’t wait for my gift-from-God husband to wake up so I can tell him that I’m sorry, too, and ask for his forgiveness and be restored.

“Thank You for Your mercy, Father, and for helping me see what I need to do to make things right. I’ll take care of that, Lord, right away.”

No one else can ever love us perfectly like that—no one! Let’s rejoice in God’s great love and mercy for each of us today.