God Has Had Mercy on Me

God Has Had Mercy on Me

November 11, 2015 Year B

We often hear the expression: “God, please have mercy on me.” It is a cry of help out to God. We beg God to help us in our time of need. Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. In other words, even though a more powerful person could punish or harm a weaker person, the powerful person extends compassion and forgiveness.

God could punish and harm us. Instead, God extends mercy towards us. We know this when we ask God for mercy. But in this case, the psalmist has praised God for His mercy (Psalm 113:1-3).

Have you ever done that? Instead of asking for God’s mercy, have you praised Him for it? The psalmist gives examples of how God has shown mercy to other weak people:

God stoops down to raise up the poor and needy (Psalm 113:6-8) and He gives children to the childless (Psalm 113:9).

Have you been in a similar situation where you have noticed God has stooped down to help you? Instead of asking God: “Please have mercy on me!”, one can praise Him and say: “God has had mercy on me.”

Prayer: I praise You that You God have had mercy on me. You are all-powerful (Psalm 113:4-5) and You swooped down to help me many times. I join with the psalmist and praise You for that today. Hallelujah!