A New Beginning!

Your compassions are many, Lord; give me life according to your judgments.

Psalm 119:156 (CSB)

Scripture reading for today, Psalm 119:153-160

The emphasis this week is devoted to God’s infinite compassion for believers. His desire is for all to believe.

Of course, God’s mercies for us are not by our own merit. He just loves us.

Recall the big and small ways that God has shown you His deepest compassion. God’s greatest compassion was shown by sacrificing Jesus for our redemption.

Another proof of His compassion is displayed by those whose testimony is revealed through suffering. I think of a pastor friend who suffers from a painful illness. He once said that a terrible part of his illness is that he can’t sing anymore. That was once a part of his favorite ways to express love for the Lord in worship. But he has certainly found other ways to accomplish that. Pain can certainly be debilitating. And it can cause deep depression. But you can’t argue with the testimony of Christians like my friend.

He can cite many occasions when God was compassionate in his agony. He has never felt that God left him alone in despair. His reward is bringing the Gospel to whomever will listen to him and mostly he loves to encourage young pastors by preparing them for the rigors of their calling. He uses God’s practical tenderness for those he helps.

Another way God displays His compassion occurs in our weariness. Have you ever been so exhausted that you can’t even think? You know in those moments you must at least sit quietly before the Lord with an open heart. Then you receive unexplainable refreshing and strength.

Or think about times when you have heard Him warning you to step away from danger or sin. Consider the years of sin that held you down. You recognized your rebellion and felt the guilt of self-indulgence. God showed you kindness and brought you back to Himself. You were restored, and it was a joy to find peace in His embrace.

God’s tender compassion is so personal and all we need.

All of those instances and more are examples of God’s persistent compassion.

Throughout this longest chapter in the Bible, we are constantly reminded of the hopeless situation of the wicked.

The wicked are people who have firmly rejected to Christ. They are hopeless by choice.

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people.

Psalm 84:10 (CSB)

Rebellion and pride are the very definition of wickedness. Rejection of the compassionate Creator.

Still, God is so patient. He lets them live. More than that, God even blesses those that hate or disregard Him. The Bible says that it rains on the just and the unjust. That means they also enjoy a measure of God’s goodness.

The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made.

Psalm 145:9 (CSB)

Share God-like compassion daily with those on the outside.

Never close your eyes at night without thanking Him for everything He has done for you.

The entirety of your word is truth, each of your righteous judgments endures forever.

Psalm 119:160 (CSB)

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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