Mercy and Truth

Psalms 57:1-3 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

As Mark and I finished language school, we were in serious prayer about where God would have us start a work for Him.  Villages, towns and cities dotted the jungle up and down the Amazon and also the Rio Negro, so we could have just gotten in a boat and traveled to any one of them, but we wanted to be where God wanted us.  Mark traveled around with a Brazilian pastor and preached along the way, all the while his heart growing more burdened for the people he saw.

Finally, God showed him where we were to go.  We packed up all our belongings, put them on a boat and headed almost 40 hours up river.  I was amazed at how the captain knew where to turn the boat in such a maze of trees and water, especially when night came.  Every now and then a big spot light was turned on in the night so that he could check for sandbars. I couldn't sleep for worrying about all the dangers of where we were and the thoughts of everything living in those black waters that could eat us for dinner if we were to sink, so I kept praying that God would protect us.   Eventually we made it to our town safely and I was glad to pick up my four babies, who were all under 5 years old at the time, and walk on dry ground again. 

We set up house, but God didn't want us to start a church there yet, so once again, Mark began traveling by boat and preaching in the villages near our little town.  God led him to a man who had family on another small river near us.  They got in Mark's john boat and the man sat in the very front to guide Mark along the way.  Mark said every opening in the flooded jungle looked the same, but the man would simply lift his hand and motion towards a direction and Mark had to trust him to lead him in the right way.  An hour and a half later they arrived at a small lake and the village of Bulixu.  Over the course of the following years we would meet, teach and win everyone there for the Lord.  After some time, Mark didn't even need a guide, but had memorized the way and we could travel back and forth on our own.

In Psalm 57 David was hiding in the cave from King Saul.  His future was unclear and seemed full of danger.  I wonder if he felt the way I did on that boat in the middle of the river, scared at what could not be seen?  I think he was a thousand times braver than I have ever been, but he shows his need in God in the very first verse where he says he is going to take refuge in God.  He doesn't lean on his own power, but God's and reminds himself that God is the One who performs all things for him.  I just love that. 

In our deepest, darkest moments, we can hide in God and trust in His ability to perform ALL things for us!  When we are literally without recourse and can do nothing, God still is able to make something happen.  We just have to trust Him.

David goes on to paint a picture of God's mercy and truth.  I can almost see these attributes going out in front of David to create the way and protection for him!  David is there hiding in God and telling us that God is sending out before him His protection, His guidance, His truth and the fact He will right all wrongs.  David wasn't the beloved king as of yet, no, he was considered a traitor of the king of Israel!  Imagine having that lie hanging over you!  But he trusted in God to perform for him. 

By the end of the chapter David returns to the Mercy and Truth of God and they fill his vision and future.  I think about Mark trying to navigate all those islands and waiting on the man in the front of the boat to lift his hand and point the way, until the day Mark could do it for himself.  I believe that is what God's mercy and truth do for us.  We can hide in God while the calamities and fears abound, but He let's us see Him in action, sending forth His Mercy in our lives, and with Truth, righting all wrongs.  Our faith is built during these times of trials, but in the end we lift our voices and praise God as we see His mercy and truth filling our future!  Not just our eternal destination, but our immediate future. 

If you are scared in your life right now, go sit up under His wings.  He is the God that can perform ALL things in your life for you.  He will send out His mercy and truth in front of you to guide your way.  It may not happen today, because He knows you are not ready to head out just yet.  He may just be enjoying having you up close to Him and resting in His power and care.  So don't hang your head and cry the whole time, sit there and watch Him work.  Believe in Him that He is sending out everything into your tomorrow that you will need in order to fulfill His will in your life.  Don't look out at the King Saul's in your life who want to threaten your peace and place with God.  They don't have the power to do anything anyway!  They may act like they do, and make you think that they do, but God's Truth will prevail their lying words.  Every. Single. Time.

One day you will find your praise again and you will stand and exalt the name of God for what victories He will perform.  Just wait for it.  You will see His Mercy and Truth fill your future and your faith will be stronger than it was yesterday. 

Until next time, Lord willing,
Sheri