This morning I responded snappily to an ongoing stressful situation. I didn’t pay attention the reminder which flashed into my mind to just listen, but instead instantly reacted.
Again.
As someone who believes how we use our words can bring life, I am likely harder on myself all the more because I know better & know He desires for me to live His Words.
But You delight in showing mercy,
and mercy triumphs over judgment.
When I get overwhelmed at times, I forget to:
stop.
pause.
breathe.
pray.
listen.
wait.
then speak.
When I fail & speak sarcastically, with hurtful words, I become undone once i take a second to process what i have just done, knowing I may have wounded someone I care for.
But You delight in showing mercy,
and mercy triumphs over judgment.
You whisper loving words to invite me back to Your embrace, into Your Stronghold of safety where I can come & be washed clean of the stain of my sinful words.
My past embraced
My sin forgiven
I’m blameless in Your sight
My history rewritten
When I bring all of me before You, You are quite well aware of each of the wrong doings, flaws & gaps existing within me, alongside the gifts You are awakening.
You embrace me anyways.
There will never be a day
You’re uncertain
of the ones You choose
You know me & chose me long before I even came to be.
There is no surprise to You of what I am like, for Your Holy Spirit indwelling me means You are constantly aware of what is going on within me.
You are personally invested in me. Your Beloved.
And once You clean me up & lift me back up again, all i desire to do is spend my life celebrating You. You love me so You even took the judgment upon Yourself so I would no longer carry it.
So I will awake
and spend my days
Loving the One who has raised me up
From death to life
From wrong to right
You’re making all things beautiful
Even me.
Mercy found me but didn’t leave me there.
He helps me move beyond what I believe is possible into the expanse of His possibilities…all things are possible for the endless God who sticks with me through all my days.
You delight in showing mercy
and Mercy triumphs over judgment.
PS. The quoted text today are the lyrics from the one song that whammied over the head & grabbed my heart’s attention Monday night. The song is Mercy, by Amanda Cook, of Bethel Music, on her yet to be released CD BraveNewWorld. A definite must hear for those of you, who like me, struggle to receive the costly but precious gift of mercy God offers us all.
KARLA LEES 