Mercy Experienced

28 

To you, O Lord, I call;

    my rock, be not deaf to me,

lest, if you be silent to me,

    I become like those who go down to the pit.

2 

Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,

    when I cry to you for help,

when I lift up my hands

    toward your most holy sanctuary.

3 

Do not drag me off with the wicked,

    with the workers of evil,

who speak peace with their neighbors

    while evil is in their hearts.

4 

Give to them according to their work

    and according to the evil of their deeds;

give to them according to the work of their hands;

    render them their due reward.

5 

Because they do not regard the works of the Lord

    or the work of his hands,

he will tear them down and build them up no more.

6 

Blessed be the Lord!

    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.

7 

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

my heart exults,

    and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 

The Lord is the strength of his people;

    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

9 

Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!

    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

(Psalm 28)

David knew what God's Mercy was all about. He had called out for it, received it, praised God for it, and then shared it with others. His testimony to is us that God is a God of Mercy Whom we can trust. He is the Good Shepherd Who cares about His helpless, wayward sheep. David also shared God's mercy by demonstrating it to others - collecting his band of misfits, allowing former enemies to be forgiven, and showing compassion on Saul's crippled son in his time of need.  Mercy. Have you cried out for it? Are you willing to receive it?  Are you willing to give it?