Is Asking God for Mercy a Way Out of Trouble?

Asking God for mercy is one of our most important requests. Mercy implies our need to be forgiven and cleansed for violating our conscience and choosing to sin. Asking God for mercy is synonymous with seeking his insight and wisdom.

Saul, the first king of Israel, believed he could overcome any force that threatened his authority – a faulty assumption. David’s attitude was one of dependency on God’s strength and mercy. Here is his plea: “May your unfailing love, your mercy come to me, O Lord, as well as the salvation you promised.”

The gift of salvation implies deliverance, pardon, grace and mercy, even though it isn’t deserved. 

David realized his inadequacy for managing the troubles he faced. The strategy he employed was to sincerely ask God for mercy. He believed God’s mercy would defend and save him. God’s mercy is available to anyone who sincerely seeks it and who will extend mercy to others.                       

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Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ Jesus even when we were dead in transgressions…And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

~Ephesians 2:4,6 New International Version

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Enacting Productive Change

Being resolute to enact serious changes is required as we realize more than a makeover is needed to fix bad choices. A college freshman spent the fall semester celebrating life away from home but then had to learn the meaning of academic probation. Developing explicit study habits and attending class saved his college career.

Most people enact specific values to live by while others use vague guidelines to determine their conduct. Values help each person stay focused. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will guide your path” is a commitment of loyalty and faithfulness.

Frances Scott Key penned these words as our nation faced a pivotal transformation: “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto – 'In God Is Our Trust.'" So change can be enacted as we apply "In God We Trust" irrefutably to our lives. May this give you strength and hope.                             

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Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust him and not be afraid, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.

~Isaiah 12:2 Christian Standard Bible

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Meeting Challenges with Confidence

Unexpected challenges periodically slip into our comfort zone to dislodge a well-ordered status quo. Strength of character can be defined by how we accept and respond to these challenges. There are times when a challenge seems beyond our ability to manage, but God promises to give us strength to endure and accept his good purpose for us.

Psalm 46:1 gives us God’s word for challenging times. “God is our hope and strength: a very present help in times of trouble.” When we've done all that we can do, we then turn over to God what we’re facing that’s beyond our skills and knowledge and wait for his purpose to be revealed.

So what is required from us as we turn over to God what appears to be an impossible situation? Trust is definitely a prerequisite for releasing into God’s care our deepest concerns. He provides faith to endure what can’t be changed, and endurance builds character that God approves of. What wonderful gifts!  

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See, God has come to save me! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song; he is my salvation.

~Isaiah 12:2 The Living Bible

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Finding God's Purpose in Difficult Times - Part 2

A nation's moral and spiritual values seem to ebb and flow with the character of its leaders. Great Britain evolved into a great nation during the nineteenth century because of innate inventiveness, which was the moving force behind its manufacturing industry. Naval supremacy gave Britain a political edge in the affairs of the world during that century.

However these points of power did not define Britain's total character. Personal values derived from a strong Christian faith defined their integrity, as hard work was a benchmark for success. These character strengths gave rise to a concern for the welfare of mankind. During World War II, their faith and trust in God got them through the dark days of war.

Personal crisis eventually will visit everyone. Surviving a crisis demands change in the arrangement of priorities. Coming back to God by giving Christ Jesus first place in your life is required for making healthy choices. Surviving the consequences of a crisis takes endurance and a resilience that faith in God provides. Faith is God's gift to you.  

Spiritual Integrity: Hope for the Family - Part 3

What does it take for the family to survive intact from all the troubles that are bound to surface? Family members will change, so wisdom and emotional energy are required to strengthen and hold the family together as it changes. The spiritual integrity of the family depends on parents' personal choices and what they model for their children.

The alternative is to avoid conflict and problems that are difficult to manage. It's an absolute necessity to believe the fact that the family is vulnerable to troubles, so taking time to evaluate priorities is a critical choice for strengthening the family. Few would argue that a successful career requires a constant investment of time and energy. Your time, skills and wisdom are a requirement for keeping your family together.

Prayer and determination are required for changing bad habits in the family system. The good news is that God stands ready to help by giving strength to the needy. Listen to Isaiah 12:2. "God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid. The Lord gives me strength and power." Hold fast to these promises.