Grace and Mercy
Psalm 136 magnifies the mercy of God.
Every verse ends with the refrain, “For His mercy endures forever.” I would like to have heard this psalm sung in the Jewish temple. One group of priests would say, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” (v 1). Then the priests on the other side of the court would answer, “For His mercy endures forever.”
Grace and mercy go together.
God, in His grace and mercy, gives me what I don’t deserve, His mercy endures forever, and our response should be thanksgiving and praise.
Praise the Lord for His wonders.
“To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever” (v 4).
“His name will be called Wonderful” (Isa. 9:6).
Jesus Christ said and did wonderful things. When God touches a life, it becomes filled with wonder. I think of Peter, Andrew, James and John – men who would have remained ordinary fishermen had they not met Jesus. They went to a wedding at Cana, and wonders happened. They went to funerals, and wonders happened.
Praise God for His wisdom.
“To Him who by wisdom made the heavens” (v 5). The God who created the universe has the wisdom to run it, and He has the wisdom you need for your life.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).
He’ll guide you.
Praise Him for His works.
“To Him who laid out the earth above the waters” (v 6).
Let’s worship God today because of His wonders.
Let’s seek His guidance because of His wisdom. Let’s enjoy all that He gives to us through His manifold creation.
You would not be saved were it not for God’s grace and mercy. Never take those two gifts for granted. Do you devote time to praising and thanking Him for what He does in your life?