The Gift of Grace + Mercy
"Grace is getting what you don't deserve. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve."
Somewhere I heard this quote and I just remember sitting for a minute, having to really put effort into believing it.
I think grace is something I'm having to constantly remind myself of what it means. That may sound silly because isn't that who Jesus is? Didn't He come to earth as living proof of God's grace and mercy? Yes, yes He did. And I love Jesus with my whole heart, but my human heart, for some reason gets so wrapped up in my shortcomings and failures that grace and mercy seem to feel like it's just to far out of reach.
I've got to say, my spirit has been tired. I've sat for a handful of days in sort of a "funk", as some may say. My mind is tired and I am struggling to embrace what God says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I've got some tasks that have been on my to-do list for a few days now and I just simply keep talking myself into pushing them off to tomorrow. Because it'll get done eventually, right?
Silly me. I know myself well enough to know that as soon as I allow laziness and unwillingness to creep in, I start to get complacent and numb in other aspects of my life. My laziness becomes an avenue of distraction that the enemy uses. Then, I become distracted by my inability that God's gracious and merciful nature become difficult to recognize, because my vision is so fogged by pride. My prayers become selfish, I get irritable, my thoughts become self-deprecating, and then I feel stuck. And then I get anxious, because that's not me, that's not the woman I recognize, her thoughts aren't true and noble, they are skewed and misinformed.
Someone I consider very wise and inspiring wrote "don't let your failures talk you out of God's grace." And I think that's so simple but also so profound. There have been countless failures and shortcomings in my life. I've hurt people, said things I regret, and done things I'll never forget, but that didn't stop Jesus from saying "she's worth it". And because of my failures, lack of willingness, funks, laziness, or complacency, He is even more after my heart. He doesn't mind reminding us of what our purpose is, He uses the mundane and weary days to give us a gentle pat on the back and say "hey girl, get up, let's keep going, I've got you, just trust me."
Today, I'm clinging to Psalm 23. Again and again, I will remember that He leads me to still waters and green pastures because He loves me. I believe that God desires that we have a greater fear of not trusting Him rather than a fear of failing at our next step. God's not afraid of what we don't think we're capable of doing or any of the failures before us, He will see those through. He just wants YOU + ME!
He's on our team, the team of Grace and Mercy.
Grace and Mercy that is meant for every day. Grace that was sent to earth to live a life of Perfect Love and Mercy that we have been given through the Hope of Heaven some day.
On the good, the bad, the mundane, and even the psycho crazy days. His Grace and His Mercy are so near, let's walk in it together. You and I, together, let's not get distracted by what we can do in our limited power, but let's fixate on the truth that our Creator is Sovereign over our days, and He goes before us when we live in surrender.
Say this with me...
"Hey God, you've got this. I'm here. No matter what my heart feels, you are what's true. No matter what lies swarm my mind, you are what's true. Your Love is real and it is running after me. I trust you with this very breath that is entering my lungs, and I trust you with the days I grow older. Give me a renewed spirit and a bit of joy to walk in today. I love you and praise you for today!"
I'm proud of you friend. Keep showing up. Keep going. And keep shining bright for all the world to see! You are incredibly loved!
With love,
Laurel