Patricia, an excellent lead vocal in church, knew the blackness in her soul was beyond measure. The world has been unfair; life has been wicked. No parents, no money, no education, practicing corporate prostitution, a typical Lagos chic, a survivor: the Philosophy books only emphasized it as a temperamental default, bile; the 'darkness' in her soul was adjudged normal. Her heart wanted something else, something pure, lovely, true .She was through, her soul yearning for peace. Her personal demons of unforgiveness, despair, revenge, anger had to go! She chose to end it all, Yes Suicide was the answer.
Then the radio preacher started his usual Sunday sermon, his teaching from Psalm 85, A Prayer for Mercy...
"...Because of great mercy, God forgives the sins of those who call on him. The Book of Psalms, contains a collection of poetry, songs, and hymns primarily devoted to the worship and praise of God. Often reflecting the moral and spiritual challenges of human experience, the Psalms present numerous prayers for mercy, forgiveness, strength, and guidance. Among these, Psalm 85 presents a prayer for mercy against the backdrop of God’s forgiveness of past wrongs, concluding with a view toward His blessing that can provide assurance for believers and sinners alike.
Psalm 85 describes the spiritual journey taken by many believers, after which each man should be able to do the following:
1. Acknowledge the extent of God’s grace to forgive them for past wrongs.
2. Realize their dependence on God’s mercy and forgiveness.
3. Commit to a life of righteousness in order to receive God’s favour and blessing.
In the chorus of one the old hymns, the songwriter declared, “such love, such wondrous love, that God should love a sinner such as I; How wonderful is love like this!’’ There is no greater or higher expression of love than God’s willingness to forgive our sins and give us His blessings of grace, love, and favour. Such love is beyond understanding.
Are you in deed, for the first time, of asking forgiveness of sins committed and being brought into a right relationship with God? Or is there need to be brought back to right relationship with Him? The beauty of grace is that He is ready to forgive you in this moment and bring you into right standing with Him.
If you already know the Lord, be sure to take time this week to thank Him for His mercy toward you in the past and for the wonderful blessings of salvation that you enjoy…”
Patrica broke down in tears, knelt by her bed a read aloud the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), asked for forgiveness & revival from Jesus (Ps 85:6)…indeed He answered. Oh what peace she felt. Great is His Mercy, it endureth forever.
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