Hello Mercy

"Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old." Ps. 25:4-6

I’m thankful for rainbows on gloomy days. Popping out of the clouds right in the midst of inward despair. When my heart feels cloudy, in a funk, dreary and just plain bogged down with life. When hope seems distant.

But HOPE is here. All day long. When I open the eyes of my heart to see truth through faith, then I see God is nearer still.

A few weeks ago, I had that little wake up call. Driving through the drizzling rain, I saw God’s promise painted across the sky. This time more than usual the symbol of a rainbow spoke loudly to my heart. The very heart that has been restless, weary, cluttered, preoccupied, and under pressure lately. At the time it only felt like a good reminder that God always keeps His promises. Only until after a couple weeks went by, did I realize I was in a season where God wasn’t “fitting” into my demanding schedule. My mind and heart weren't focusing on the promise that God will NEVER leave me. Instead, all the activities/responsibilities/thoughts I placed on my plate took priority and space there and I was leaning on my own strength to accomplish them. My cares were resting on me and not my kind Father. Not only is our Lord near us always, but He is there to carry our load; our burdens.

Mercy- kindness and forgiveness

It’s a simple truth, really. God is a merciful God. He is full of mercy and love.

He is all about forgiveness. Forgiveness when I try to muster up my own strength to handle things. Forgiveness when I seek out my own will and gain. Forgiveness when I lose sight of Christ and idolize my hardships. Forgiveness when I do, do, do and neglect being with my Father. Forgiveness when I complain. Forgiveness when I dwell on performance.

I’m so thankful for a kind Heavenly Father who forgives and draws me closer still. All is grace. Grace moves us onward and upward. I can work out of my rest with Him.

So, am I still in a busy, overwhelming, crazy season right now? Yes. Am I learning what it means to let go and let God? Yes. Am I a work in progress? Yes. Daily. Is the Lord showing me mercy in sweet ways? Yes. Over and over again. Is He holding me together? Absolutely.

There is ALWAYS time to give thanks.

We can walk lightly when we trust our merciful Father to carry us through mountains and valleys. He is quick and kind to forgive us when we try to take control. What I can say to Him is “Yes, God I know you're with me. What promise do you want my heart to learn in this crazy season? And how are you revealing yourself to me?

He loves to answer us! Trust, friends, that God is always for us!

Enjoy this catchy song with a lot of truth by Royal Tailor: Hold Me Together