As I have been studying God's mercy and grace, one fact has stood out to me; God pours out these qualities upon the humble of heart. Consider these two verses.
Psalm 103:17 "the steadfast love (mercy) of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,..." Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" In our society permeated with individual pride concerning everything in our daily lives, the whole idea of humility, or being contrite seems from a different world. But, to truly know God's blessings it is essential we lower our opinion of ourselves and raise our view of God very high (in fact we can't raise it too high.) This has nothing to do with a bowed head and stooped shoulders, but, rather a sensible understanding of our natural selfishness that God wants to wash away and replace with His goodness. God's mercy and grace are our only hope for vibrant life now and life everlasting when this life is done.
Join me this Thursday for a deeper look at God's amazing mercy and grace.