I am late today writing the Lesson. I’ve driven home from preaching a sweet North Carolina Revival. Debbie has things about ready, and we leave again in a few hours.

The Title of today’s Devotional Though is derived from Psalm 6:2 … “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak.”

Strong self-sufficient, proud people never ask for mercy! They, of course, don’t need it!

But “weak” folks sure do!

In Hebrew the word “weak” used here is spelled “umlal.” It basically means “feeble,” or “languishing” or even “drooping!” It is used only here in the entire Old Testament!

The verb “have mercy” translates “chanan,” meaning at its very root “to bend down!” I love that word picture!

For God to have mercy on me, asking that of Him in prayer, is really pleading with Him “to come down and help!”

In the Bible this “Mercy Prayer” is the most frequent petition lifted Heavenward to Almighty God … seeking His Mercy!

His “kindness and love and pity!”

One man prayed this (begging for Mercy) and was saved by the Grace of God! “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I (Jesus is talking) tell you, this man went down to his house justified .”

So IF you need His Mercy … remind yourself how “weak” you are! Then humbly APPROACH the Throne of Grace!

I suspect you will get the Mercy you need!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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