Good News
- Beth Mims
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15, KJV).
In my lifetime, I have heard people say a lot of things about God.
I have heard them use His name in vain, simply tossing His name around as a byword in conversation. I have heard people curse Him. I have heard people blame Him for their trouble and cast their anger at Him because of their problems. I have heard parents threaten their children with Him to try and get them to behave, and I have seen people refuse to honor Him because of their hatred.
Satan has done a great job of misinforming people about God, and unfortunately, we have swallowed his lies.
This is why Psalm 86 reads as such good, good news! In this psalm, David describes who God really is.
David begins his prayer by confessing his need and asking for mercy. This is the appropriate way to come before our majestic, holy God. But then he begins to talk about the characteristics of God. He intermixes them with his praise.
· God is good, ready to forgive.
· God has plenty of mercy for those who call on Him.
· God answers when we call on Him.
· He is great, and He does wonderful things.
· He alone is God!
· His mercy is great, and He is full of compassion.
· He is gracious and longsuffering (patient).
· He gives strength.
· He helps and comforts.
That description is quite different than the one the world often puts forward. The key, though, is that David came before God in earnest faith and submitted himself to God. He trusted God. God heard David’s cry and comforted him.
God is the same today as He was in David’s time. When we call on Him in faith, He hears and He will answer. When we cry to Him, He will comfort us.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (KJV). Most importantly, though, when we ask, He will save us and give us eternal life (Romans 10:13).
I’m thankful for the good news of God today. How about you?
Father, we are quick to blame You for all the ills of the world and so slow to thank You for the everyday blessings of Your love and mercy. You are gracious and good, kind and compassionate, slow to anger, and full of love. Thank You for Your patience toward us. Let this day be a day of honor for You. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Think About It:
What characteristic of God are you especially thankful for?
How will you show Him honor today?
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