Does this sound familiar:
“God can’t love me. I’ve done some really bad things.”
“Life is too hard. I am sure I will fail.”
“I don’t deserve his love.”
“How can God forgive me? He knows everything I’ve done.”
As a parent, I have experienced some trying times when it comes to my son. Temper tantrums. Fits of rebellion. Painful words.
Each time my son rebels or disobeys, my love for him does not change. He cannot sway my unconditional love for him. At times, he may provoke some emotions like anger or frustration. But never does he provoke me to hate or to wrath. I love him no matter what he does. My mercy towards him endures.
Now if I can do that as an earthly father, how much more can God do that as a heavenly Father?
When you get a chance this week, read Psalms 136. It’s only 26 verses, and it’ll only take you a few minutes to read. But, you will find something quite interesting about that chapter. Twenty-six times (one of each verse), the following words are repeated:
“For His mercy endures forever.”
You might say, “But God can’t love me. I’ve done some really bad things.” God says, “My mercy endures beyond the bad things you’ve done.”
You might say, “Life is too hard. I am sure I will fail.” But God says, “My mercy endures beyond your future failures.”
You might say, “I don’t deserve his love.” But God says, “My mercy endures beyond your ability to deserve my love.”
You might say, “How can God forgive me? He knows everything I’ve done.” God says, “My mercy endures beyond all that you’ve done. I can forgive you.”
Is there hope for you? God thinks so (Jeremiah 29:11). He has good plans and a good future for you. That’s why his mercy endures forever. In Christ, you are forgiven. You are made clean. You are in right standing with God.
His mercy endures beyond your abilities, your failures, your efforts, your sins, your past, your future. His mercy endures forever.
Prayer: Lord, I know I have messed up things pretty badly. But, your mercy endures forever. Let your mercy wash over me and cleanse me. I put my hope in you.
