August 3, 2021 – Reflection on “Delights to Show Mercy!”

       Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19. (NIV).

How is it possible to have a relationship with our Creator, God? The evidence of the presence of God is all around us in His Creation of the towering mountains, the springs of water, the delightful songs of birds, and bountiful harvests. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually! Psalm 105:4.

To draw near to God, we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17.

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the Presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, with limiting the conversation in any way.” Quote from Brother Lawrence.

Remember and tell of what God has done for us. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12. When I remember Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and David, I know how loved them for their faith and trust in the Lord God. God has the power to change us with His great mercy and love.
            If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4. When we set our minds on Christ, we have made a choice, a decision, to follow Him.

      “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. This signifies a set way of loving. Not until the going gets tough when life is challenging, or when our feelings have been hurt. How many times is the phrase steadfast love used in the ESV version? Two hundred two times. Our Lord God and His Son Jesus are described as loving us for always — before the foundation of the world. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit work as a team, giving us the most precious thing, we will ever know! Unconditional Love!

This is a primary reason to worship our Lord God. Jesus was given all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He will be our judge. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

Jesus has commanded and through Him we have our salvation, plus, the way we can show Him we walk in faith by telling others about Jesus. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14.

When we are faithful and walk with our Lord Jesus, we will have an inheritance. In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:11-12.

        Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2.

While in the church choir as a teenager, one song we sang caught my attention as I contemplated the walk with our Lord.

      My God and I go in the field together; We walk and talk as good friends should and do;
We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter; My God and I walk through the meadow’s hue.

      This earth will pass, and with it common trifles, But God and I will go unendingly.      (George B. Shea).

         And this is love that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.  2 John 5:6.

          Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.

Worship is a blend of prayer with praise and knowing His Presence. Delight goes both ways. Our God delights in us as His children. We become His children when we delight in Him. Trust in the LORD, do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4.

        Delight is the Joy of the Lord that never disappears. Delight is an ‘at home’ and a belonging and knowing we are loved.

         The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24.

What does this mercy mean for us? My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your Word. Psalm 119:81.

         Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure. I John 3:2-3.