TOPIC: CONDITION FOR DIVINE MERCY 

KEY VERSE: “Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land” (Psalm 85:9).

TEXT: Psalm 85:1-13 (KJV)

1 Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

3 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.

4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.

5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

MESSAGE

The condition for receiving God’s mercy and peace is true repentance and obedience. Sin and disobedience will hinder mercy and peace and other blessings from God. He speaks peace only to those who turn away from unfaithfulness and backsliding. There is no peace to the wicked. No wicked person can go unpunished (Isaiah 57:21; Proverbs 11:21,31).

The text under consideration talks about the story of Israel after their apostasy. The Israelites suffered much afflictions and defeat in the hands of their enemies as a result of their sin. God, however, forgave them and restored them to favour and blessing when they sincerely repented. When God forgives sin, He covers it completely.

People cannot continue in sin and still expect the grace of God to abound. His mercy and peace are part of His grace. Christ is the Truth personified and embodiment of righteousness.

It is the acceptance of Christ, the Truth and Righteousness of God that brings mercy and peace. Christ is the Prince of Peace. To have peace, let the Prince of Peace enter your heart and rule your life.

Are you justly suffering from an affliction or oppression in the hands of enemies? The antidote is genuine repentance and faith in the atoning blood and power of Christ.

This will bring true victory and God-given peace in your heart and soul.

The turmoil and troubles in a sinner’s heart can only be replaced with peace from Christ.

His promise to you is, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” (John 14:27). Truth is, God is rich in mercy to all those who call upon Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
He that longs for mercy must first embrace truth.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Matthew 14-16

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2023 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.