A Picture of Mercy

…his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning 

(Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

If I asked you to take a picture of something representing God’s mercy, what would your photo include? Would it be a selfie of you and your friend hugging—the friend you had previously hurt with your words. Would you take a picture of the warning you received from the police officer instead of a speeding ticket?

Could a picture of a country devasted by war and its few survivors being carted off to enemy territory represent God’s mercy? Not exactly what you would have thought of, right?

Some define God’s mercy as “God not giving us what we deserve.” True, but His mercy includes more. God’s mercy isn’t passive; it’s active. It’s His compassionate love for His creation that leads Him to do for people what they cannot do for themselves.

Mercy flows from God’s heart and cannot be exhausted! He delights in showing mercy. (Micah 7:18)  

The writer of Lamentations mourned as he saw Judah destroyed and the few survivors taken captive. Yet, his thoughts turned to the Lord, and he understood that even in judgment and discipline, God’s mercy could be seen. After years of captivity, the picture of God’s mercy to Judah would come into focus. Judah was refined and her devotion to God was deepened.

Have you questioned God’s mercy? You can’t understand how God’s allowance of your trial is truly an act of love and compassion. Will you hold to the truth that God’s heart is a heart of mercy? Will you trust that His actions toward you stem from His compassionate love? Will you trust that your heartache in His hands can refine you and deepen your devotion to Him?

Thank you, Lord, that your mercy is being poured out upon us right now!

Jan Burkhart