How do we receive mercy in time of desperation? From Whom do we seek it? We’re all at some point in our lives broken by someone or something, and in need of mercy. This thought leads to more questions: If mercy is the expression of God’s love, how should our love be expressed? Are we a merciful person?

To answer these questions, we need to look at our lives closely and see how merciful God is toward us. God’s mercy is fresh every morning and his mercy alone can defeat evil.  His favor is continuously shown through grace over and over… God’s love confirms that mercy and grace are both closely related to each other, yet there is a difference between the two. Grace is: the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God bestowed upon humanity. Mercy has to do with His kindness and compassion. In verse [Psalm 9:13-14] David cries out to God, pleading for mercy to show kindness and withhold the judgment he deserves.

There are times in life when we face incidents that suddenly shake us to the core of our being. We don’t know what to do, and don’t know how to receive/give mercy. Whether we’re walking closely with God or not, in time of desperation we still find ourselves saying, “O God have mercy on me!” In these times, we are asking God for forgiveness, to pardon us in our transgressions.

I cannot comprehend how someone can act in a way that is so horribly wrong and still be allowed to seek the mercy of God? How can He forgive those who commit unthinkable crimes [rape, murder, theft, abuse]? Does one who causes great pain deserve to be pardoned?

What about those daily battles and conflicts in our lives? Are you a merciful person? For instance, what if someone has hurt you; it could have been for many reasons—perhaps things weren’t going right in their lives, they were frustrated, and unable to control their life circumstances. I don’t understand why some people attack others instead of fixing their own problems but it happens.  Are we able to forgive someone who has wronged us, as we grieve the loss they have inflicted? As a believer, all we can do is to hand them over to God and the law.

It is hard for us to admit that we cannot solve a problem or overcome an obstacle, but it is often in our moment of helplessness when God can best deliver. He delights in a broken heart that humbly seeks His advocacy.

After David begged God for mercy, he continued to remind God in [Psalm 25] not to forget his mercy. This reminder is not for God’s sake [God will never forget or abandon his children], but our sake. “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, …” Amen!