Do You See Him Smiling At You? A Story of Mercy

Life is full of new beginnings. Can you imagine how dull it would be if it weren’t. We would not appreciate the blossoming beauty of spring flowers if it weren’t for the winter season in which it all seems to disappear. There is something very moving about that which was seemingly without glory to all of a sudden burst into something beautiful. Yet, a few months later, its glory will once again fade.

I think we can learn much from this type of occasion. We can learn much about mercy and redemption. It seems that religion without a true reality of who God is would put the yoke of perfection on us which would drive any human being to either becoming an angry, judgmental, or mean person or cause them to go to the opposite side, which would be to condemningly give up because of their constant falling short. But I believe there is a secret in understanding His mercy in new beginnings.

It is the one who has been forgiven much who loves much. It is the one who has tried and failed, only to rise up and try again who has the Lord’s attention. David, a leader who failed miserably by giving into an affair, was called a man after God’s own heart. Yet, God saw His willingness to try again and was overwhelmed by the simple fact that David didn’t give up when life got nasty. We can learn much about His mercy and love for us when we ponder about new beginnings and we will have many in our life simply because our lives really are like a roller coaster. Up. Down. Up. Down. A bit of consistency might help, but it doesn’t seem to be this way for anyone I know. It really is all about not quitting or giving up. Sooner or later, life gets nasty. The nastiness may look different for everyone, but no one can escape it. No one. That should reassure us that we aren’t alone and also teach us the importance of having each other to walk through life with. No one is meant to be alone, especially when they are struggling.

The Lord invites us to share of His mercy. Yet, many are not willing to take of it because they know they don’t deserve it. So they stand at a distance quite possibly with the thoughts of “I have tried that life before and I failed. Miserably” or “I’m not even going to try it because I know I can’t do it.” And it’s true, we can’t in and of ourselves. Little do they know that it is this same story of mercy that is written on every one of our lives. He really does long for friendship with us and hopes that we will one day, even with all of our short comings, come a little closer and finally taste of His love. Those who do are pleasantly surprised and delighted by how He stoops so low and brings us so high by honoring us with His love and care. Isaiah 57:15 “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” He does live in a high and holy place, yet He longs to stoop low to wherever you are in life. You may have tried and failed miserably, but He is a God of new beginnings and His mercy is brand new to every one of us. It’s hard to understand and comprehend because we aren’t used to being treated this way. He, indeed, treats us differently than we have ever been treated before. He longs to honor you, to bring you close to His side, to listen to you, and love you.

So, let’s all learn the lesson of the spring blossoms. Life may be ever so inconsistent, and even our own hearts being the most difficult thing to train, but His love is ever so consistent and willing to give a fresh breeze of mercy to lift you out of your despair and defeat. As you look upon all the glory spring time was created to show us, I hope you see Him smiling at you.

1 John 3:21 “If our hearts do not condemn us we have confidence before God.”