Friday 1 January 2016

Happy New Year


The three words "Happy New Year"will be used more frequently in our vocabulary in the next few days and will gradually wane by the end of the month. This can easily   be attributed to the fact that by then the excitement of the word “new” may no longer be applicable and things may have steadily  returned  to status quo.

But I am quite glad that although the word “new” may not be applicable to the year after some months, there is something that we can count on that will be new every day; God’s mercy (Lamentations 3:23). It will never grow  stale neither will it expire as , there is a daily  manufacture of it. No matter how much we use the day before, there will always  be a new  and  fresh supply the  following day  and this is ample reason for  rejoicing. We can hope  and  trust in the mercy of the Lord ( Psalms 52 8 ) as it is good and does us good.  
God is the source and  Father of mercies  (2 Corinthians 1:3), he is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2 4), his mercy being abundant  (1 Peter 1 3), is great towards those who fear him(Psalms 103:11)  and the joker is that  he  delights in showing mercy(Micah 7:18).It is in God’s DNA to be merciful. This mercy of God can surround us (Palms 32 10), be a crown on our heads( Palms 108 :4) and even be our special personal  escort with its twin goodness(Psalms 23 6).No wonder, the Psalmist rejoiced at God’s mercy and when given at option to choose his punishment, decided to fall into the hand of the Lord because he understood the mercy of God (2 Samuel 24:14).
 
As a result of his mercy, we receive salvation( Ephesians 2:4-6,1 Peter 1:3) and as we continue in our walk, our failures  and sins are forgiven( Psalms 51:1) yes of course we need to confess them (1 John 1:9).It is his mercy that enables us to walk in the fear of the Lord. Our families are saved as a result of  his  increased   mercy (Genesis 19:19 ),this mercy is an insurance  policy for our children and grandchildren  (Luke 1 50).As an outflow of mercy, marital destines are fulfilled and partners are located(Genesis 34:1-25).Barren wombs bear children in remembrance of God’s mercy and visitation (Luke 1:10-24,Genesis 30:2).God’s mercy is available  to help us (Psalms 30:10)when we are sad (Psalms 31:9) , desolate ( Psalms 28:16), in trouble ( Psalms 9:13 ) and  brings healing , causing  blind eyes to be opened ( Luke 18:38), mental illness to be cured (Matthew 17:15-18). His mercy will make men and even our bosses to favour us Genesis 39:21). Celebration and rejoicing occurs  at our gates because of the mercy of the Lord( Luke 1:58 ).Truth be told, all our prayers are answered because of the mercy of God ( Psalms 4:1 ).But how can we access this mercy?

All we need to do is to come boldly to Gods throne and obtain this mercy (Hebrews 4:16) and the Living Bible puts it well by saying ”so let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need”.God does not only delight in showing mercy but he delights in those who hope in his mercy(Psalms 147: 10,11 ).

So this year I wish that more than ever we, being vessels of his mercy (Romans 9:24) all live under the reality of the new mercies of God daily with thanksgiving (2 Chronicles 16:34). Happy New Year and remember every day is new with his mercies.
         
In His Service,

Grace Tom-Lawyer.

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