In Need Of Mercy

MERCY! by J. C. Philpot ("The Lord's Merciful Look Upon His People")

"Look upon me, and be merciful unto me." Ps. 119:132

When shall we ever get beyond the need of God's mercy? We feel our need of continual mercy . . .as our sins abound, as our guilt is felt, as our corruption works, as our conscience is burdened, as the iniquities of our heart are laid bare, as our hearts are opened up in the Spirit's light. We need . . .mercy for every adulterous look; mercy for every covetous thought; mercy for every light and trifling word; mercy for every wicked movement of our depraved hearts; mercy while we live; mercy when we die; mercy to accompany us every moment; mercy to go with us down to the portals of the grave; mercy to carry us safely through the swellings of Jordan; mercy to land us safe before the Redeemer's throne! "Look upon me, and be merciful unto me. "Why me? Because I am so vile a sinner. Because I am so base a backslider. Because I am such a daring transgressor. Because I sin against You with every breath that I draw. Because the evils of my heart are perpetually manifesting themselves. Because nothing but Your mercy can blot out such iniquities as I feel working in my carnal mind. I need . . . inexhaustible mercy, everlasting mercy, super-abounding mercy. Nothing but such mercy as this can suit such a guilty sinner!

This morning Philpot's words echo my own heart and thoughts. Though I believe God wants us to focus on Christs' work on our behalf far more then our sin, I think it's appropriate to remember why we need a Savior. Today I am tempted to feel condemned by my sin and overwhelmed with the truth of how unworthy I am, but instead I want to humbly go before the throne of grace, plead for mercy, and embrace that mercy. I know that the "evils of my heart are perpetually manifesting themselves", but I also know that God is working in me to make me more like Christ. This morning I need mercy and I know I will receive it from our merciful God. "God, have mercy on me a sinner". ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner! And Lord, I ask have the humility of the tax collector. Grant me the tears of a broken heart and the smile of a recipient of mercy. Amen’