The Depth Of Mercy

Read: Psalm 69:13-18

Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.

Psalm 69:16

IN WORD On what basis do we call upon God? What right do we have to approach His throne and appeal for help? If we don’t know the answer—if it isn’t deeply rooted in our souls—we may have a barren prayer life. And if we’re spiritually hungry, the lack of fruitfulness will bother us. We’ll ask why.

One hindrance to a fruitful life of prayer is approaching God on the wrong basis. He is often, in our minds, our debtor—a Father who is obligated to care for us regardless of our attitude. It’s true that He will care for us, but not according to our specifications. He will straighten us out. He will teach us to approach Him with His true nature—love and mercy—in the forefront of our minds.

Though we know His grace, we often get confused. We come to view Him as lenient rather than merciful. The difference is monumental. He does not casually dismiss our sin—see the Cross as exhibit A. No, He forgives it. Knowing the difference has huge implications for us. When we see Him as lenient, we will be casual about our sin, just as we assume He is. We will take Him for granted and never know the depth of His love. We will pray with sinful, distorted hearts. When we understand mercy, we will grieve and repent. And we will never again approach Him with a sense of entitlement.

IN DEED David’s cry is a model for prayer. Children who act entitled to the favors of their parents are annoying, both to their parents and other observers. Worse than that, they never come to appreciate their parents’ generosity. They take it for granted. God will not let us relate to Him that way for long. He is not lenient toward us; He is merciful. He sees the ugliness of sin and loves us anyway. He has dealt with our rebellion painfully. And then He blesses us with answered prayer. When you pray, know the depth of His mercy. It is behind every answer.

The heavenly Father has no spoiled children. He loves them too much for that.

—FRED MITCHELL