‘He delights to show mercy’ (Micah 7:18)

The proper object of mercy is misery; sin has rendered us miserable, and God has revealed Himself as merciful. He delights in mercy; it is a pleasure to Him to have mercy upon us; He delights to pardon our sins, relieve our necessities, and save our souls. His own glory being secured, He delights to bless His people.

He is styled THE FATHER OF MERCIES; and as a father takes pleasure in his children, so does our God in showing mercy. He always delights in mercy, therefore He does so this morning; go then and mourn over your sins which have grieved Him and left you miserable; go and plead for mercy at His throne, and don’t doubt for one moment His pity, His kindness, or His grace.

Have you obtained mercy? Be zealous, to glorify God in the day of His coming; be honest, and ascribe all to mercy which is her due; and be active to spread the good news abroad, assuring poor miserable sinners, that God DELIGHTS IN MERCY.

With this check your fears, repel your temptations, and comfort your heart. Believe it as an undoubted truth, plead it as a powerful argument with God, and each day rejoice in it. It is sweet to be an infinite debtor to mercy.

‘Tis mercy in Jesus exempts me from hell,
Its glories I’ll sing, and its wonders I’ll tell;
Twas Jesus, my friend, when He hung on the tree,
Who open’d the channel of mercy for me.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘I have been looking at Jesus, with the key of the house of David laid upon his shoulder, opening and shutting at his pleasure. He hath opened my heart to receive Him, and enjoy His sweet and sacred presence, O how precious is Jesus to me at the close of this day, just as I am retiring to rest.

Gracious Lord, keep me near Thee – looking to Thee – living for Thee – living on Thee – believing in Thee – and expecting from Thee all I need. Surely this is the life of faith, and a sweet life it is – living on Jesus alone, making Him all in all’.