Young Adults' Group

The Mercies of God

by Pastor Mark
June 26, 2014

The plights of life

We all face different plights in life. It could be related to our work or to our family circumstances. But these plights can come and overwhelm us. David had his own fair share of plights. For instance, he had to face King Saul, who did not like him and did everything he could to kill him. King Saul would at times send three thousands soldiers in search of David and they were out for his blood. (1 Sam 24:2) How did David respond to these plights?

Looking at our soul’s response

David wrote Psalm 57 in the context of his flight from Saul. He reflected how his soul was deeply affected, “My soul is among lions.” (Psalm 57:4) He felt like a prey being hunted by lions. As a result, he felt deeply upset. “They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down.” (Psalm 57:6) Have the plights of our lives caused our soul to bow down in despair and discouragement? Let’s seek to know the state of our soul and to address it as David wisely did. He sought to turn to the mercies of God.

The plea for the mercies of God

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.” (Psalm 57:1)

In the midst of all his troubles, David pleaded for the mercies of God. The Lord is indeed a merciful God. He would extend His mercies to David… to us. Through His mercies, He would help us in our plight.

A soul’s trust in the Lord

David was able to have soul trust in the Lord. He did not allow his soul to remain in despair. He learned to direct his soul to trust in the Lord … in His mercies. He believed that God will hear his plea and send forth His mercy and His truth. (Psalm 57:3) Through His mercies, God will protect David and hide him in the shadow of His wings… to be his refuge. He will continue to protect him till the calamities have passed. In having this trust, David was able to have steadfastness of heart, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.” (Psalm 57:7) Let’s be challenged to have the same soul trust in the Lord and His mercies that we may have steadfastness of heart.

Praise given for the Lord’s mercies

In response to the mercies of God, David gave praise to the Lord.

1. He gave praise for the Lord’s mercies

“For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds.” (Psalm 57:10)

How great are the mercies of the Lord! It is so great that it seems like it will reach to the heavens … to the clouds. Let’s truly praise the Lord for His mercies

2. He gave exaltation to the Lord and His glory

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.” (Psalm 57:11)

The Lord is indeed deserving of exaltation. We should give the highest praise and glory to the Lord. His glory is truly above all. Let’s be challenged to deeply appreciate the Lord and His mercies and to praise Him even in the plights of our life.

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