SUNDAY December 13, 2020
Praise God for His Mercy
“And His [God’s] mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”
Luke 1:50-51
Mary was a young woman who feared the Lord. She reverenced God and stood in awe of Him. She rejoiced in God’s mercy, which was not only shown to her, but to all who chose to fear Him from generation to generation. Mary was chosen to become the mother of Jesus. She greatly magnified the Lord with her beautiful song––the Magnificat.
The Bible has much to say about times of personal praise. Psalm 33:1 tells us: Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Psalm 147:1 continues this thought: Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
Praise is beautiful! We can praise God for His goodness and mercy: Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever (Psalm 118:1). We can praise Him for His kindness, love and for our salvation––all according to His mercy.
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Are you feeling downcast, melancholy, lonely or sorrowful this Christmas? Contemplate the mercy, grace and love of God in sending His Son to be your Savior. As you praise Him, your spirit will be lifted.
With Christ as your Savior and constant Companion, you too, although alone, need never be lonely.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!