June 18 - Psalms 116-118

These three psalms have a common theme even though they are very different. God's merciful kindness and truth are available for us no matter what we are going through, if we will turn to Him. Psalm 116 was evidently written by someone who had come very close to dying, and this psalmist could affirm that God heard him from the doorstep of death. He found out that God cares no matter how desperate the circumstances seem to be. Psalm 117 tells us that God's merciful kindness was even available to the Gentiles during the Old Testament, if they would turn to Him. God is not one to be prejudiced. He looks on the heart. Then, Psalm 118 comes to us from a man who had been attacked from all sides, but he found that God was faithful to deliver him to a "broad place." That means a place of peace and rest. He came to realize that praise was appropriate, because of God's merciful kindness. What about you today? Do you need the mercy of the Lord or His truth? Cry out to Him, and you will find Him to be there for you. Don't think that your circumstances are too bleak, or that he would not love you because of your past. Call upon Him from where you are, and ask Him to lift you out of the pit. He is strong, and He is your salvation. Then, praise Him for His deliverance.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalm 119:1-88.