Thanksgiving is coming. It’s crept up. We’re more than halfway through November, and I feel this month has been a blur. I’ve literally witnessed a few milestones for myself and others these last two weeks, and I really haven’t had time process them all. But one thing I will never get over as a result of those events is the reach of God’s Mercy.
Sometimes I overlook or fail to comprehend it. I often focus on fixing what’s wrong with my relationship with God. How I need to grow in that area. How I need His help to overcome that sin. While it is important for Christians to seek spiritual growth (2 Peter 1: 5-11), sometimes we forget that, even at our best, we will never be good enough to earn God’s blessing in our lives. It’s a truth evidenced by the Cross, but one that starts to get lost when we focus on what “we”—or “I”—need to change rather than the fact that only He can we change us and forgive us when we mess up. That’s the heart of His Mercy.
There’s a song that says how I’m feeling; “Thankful” by Darlene Zscech. As I’m writing, I’ve had it on repeat. The opening talks about God’s “gentle rain.” We often see rain as a metaphor for trials. She’s speaking of God being with her, using circumstances to change her—yet gently—with love. I can say that before the milestones came the gentle rain. But with it also has come—and is coming—the change I desire for Christ. It's a life-long process, but it's so worth it! Glory to God!
The chorus displays the cross as the greatest symbol of God’s mercy: “To the cross I come again…I wanna thank you, Living God.” I love the use of “living.” My God is alive—real: not some symbol or person of the past. When we recognize God as living, He becomes the source of our lives, making them full.
Knowing Christ is supposed to us make us more joyful; happier; more excellent. Because of the Cross, not only am I not bound by my failures, but I am now free to walk in light.
I’ll end with one of the many ways a Psalmist reflected on God’s Mercy—as enough to cover his limits: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73: 26. Amen! Thank you Lord, for your Mercy!
“Thankful” Lyrics
I felt your gentle rain
You wash over my heart again
And I find You here
I Find You here
You take me by the hand
And when I don’t understand
You hold me
You hold me
(chorus)
To the cross I come again
I'm so thankful, I'm thankful
Your mercy over me again
I'm so thankful, living God
I wanna thank You Living God
In the light of day
Your truth defies my way
And You call me Yours
I'm forever Yours
(bridge)
For eternity,
You will be, You will be
Yesterday, today and forever,
You remain the same
(chorus)
To the cross I come again
I'm so thankful, I'm thankful
Your mercy over me again
I'm so thankful, Living God
To the cross I come again
I'm so thankful, I'm thankful
Your mercy over me again
I'm so thankful, Living God
I wanna thank You, Living God
http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/d/darlenezschech6263/thankful508311.html
