I once thought that I was on a clock when it came to the mercy of God. As if when the clock strikes twelve His mercy will suddenly end. You may have allowed this lie to make its way into the chambers of your own heart. You have given it a place to rest and that lie has kept you in fear for as long as you can remember. Your prayers and cries to God are now rooted in legalism. You now live life in a way that says: Hey! I’m living only to avoid sin, and when I do sin, I’m doomed – his mercy is no more.
When we adapt that way of thinking, what we’re doing is bringing God down, measuring Him by the line of our imagination. Imagine trying to measure an infinite God with finite minds, thinking that His ways and thoughts are like our own. Thinking that His kindness is as slight as ours and that His forgiveness is as reluctant as ours. Reducing God to our own thoughts and ways is a sure recipe for the disastrous blows and disquietment we often experience in our souls and in this life.
You will never have a “when the clock strikes twelve” moment because his mercy endures forever (Psalm 136) and it follows you (Psalm 23:6). Sure, his wrath visits the unrepentant, but still, only after taking the path that’s long and very slow – it’s called long-suffering and patience. His mercy stands at the door, with outstretched arms, waiting for the prodigal to return – his mercy endures forever.
His mercy and patience are like beckoning hands, an open door, a pathway home. His mercy shouts “Seek me while I may be found.” God waits to show mercy (Isaiah 30:18). He beckons, “come to me” so you can receive help in your desperate times of need. He beckons, “come to me” whether after a miserable lapse or simply a regrettable moment. Whoever and wherever you find yourself, God’s patience invites your repentance.
Get up from that place where you have been laying like a cripple. Return to him so you can find mercy and rest for your soul. His mercy doesn’t end when the clock strikes twelve. Let His kindness lead you to repentance. Let it lead you out of the ruins and into his hands. Let his mercy cover your nakedness and your shame. Let his mercy be a place of refuge for you. Let his mercy be a door into the redemptive power of the Jesus Christ.
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.