Goodness and mercy

[MoreCoffee]

Goodness and mercy
In the scriptures a psalm says – reassuringly – surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Is that promise credible when you consider your life and what about the life of family or friends some of whom have died? Is goodness and mercy guaranteed to the faithful in this life and if not then why does the psalm appear to promise them?

 

[popsthebuilder]

Goodness and mercy
In the scriptures a psalm says – reassuringly – surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Is that promise credible when you consider your life and what about the life of family or friends some of whom have died? Is goodness and mercy guaranteed to the faithful in this life and if not then why does the psalm appear to promise them?

Not certain of the context, but given we are to hold the spiritual close and regard the material as temporal, is it not possible that it is an oath made by the author that he will be merciful and good, and not a reference to the mercy he expects of GOD here in this physical existence.

What psalm is it please?

 

[Josiah]

I breathe only because of God's infinite mercy.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Not certain of the context, but given we are to hold the spiritual close and regard the material as temporal, is it not possible that it is an oath made by the author that he will be merciful and good, and not a reference to the mercy he expects of GOD here in this physical existence.

What psalm is it please?

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

[popsthebuilder]

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Thank you.

It seems to be speaking of the things that will come or did come from David. Not specifically things given to David, but as a result of those things given by GOD.

 

[atpollard]

John 10:24-30 NASB
The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”​

Do we belong to God? Are we 'His sheep'?
If we are, then we should be following Christ and Christ should be leading us.


Is God the creator of Evil?
Here is the real issue of trust. The question is not 'will bad things happen?' since we have already been assured that 'in this world, we will have trouble'.

John 16:33 NASB "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”​

So the question becomes, is this trouble that overtakes us in life for our good or for our harm?
Is it from the 'goodness' of God, or has God led us into harm?
This is an issue of whether or not the Great Shepherd can really be trusted.
I like to remember Joseph. Where was the goodness of God when he was beaten and sold into slavery? Where was the goodness of God when he was falsely accused and thrown into prison? Where was the goodness of God when he was forgotten by those who promised to remember him? It was only in the end that we can see that God's goodness was working all along ... to change Joseph's arrogant heart ... to provide the skills and experiences Joseph would need ... to save the people of two nations and set the stage for the Passover.


Do people deserve mercy? Does God owe a debt of kindness to the rebellious human race?
Every day, we fall short of God's perfect standard. Every day our debt of Justice forges another link to the chains of divine wrath that is our just reward. But Grace. That is what we receive in place of the Justice that we are due.

In truth, mercy does follow us all the days of our lives ... and on into eternity.

 

[NewCreation435]

For the believer, we are alway in the middle of God's goodness and mercy. As bad as life can get sometimes, I can always take comfort in the fact that I am deeply loved, forgiven and watched over by the Lord. That even when bad things happen that God will bring something out of it that is good. If nothing else, he will use it to strengthen me.

 

[Lamb]

For the believer, we are alway in the middle of God's goodness and mercy. As bad as life can get sometimes, I can always take comfort in the fact that I am deeply loved, forgiven and watched over by the Lord. That even when bad things happen that God will bring something out of it that is good. If nothing else, he will use it to strengthen me.

I agree! It's what I count on too when something horrible is happening in my life...that God will use it for His good will, not my selfish will.

 

[Pedrito]

Once again, Pedrito is puzzled.

Post #3:

I breathe only because of God's infinite mercy.

Don’t serious Christians (as opposed to nominal Christians) go to Heaven when they die?

Isn’t Heaven a much more pleasant place to be than this troublesome Earth we find ourselves stuck on?

Can we not number the Lutheran contributors to this forum, among the serious?

Therefore, wouldn’t God’s infinite mercy be demonstrated more clearly and definitely if He stopped that Poster’s breathing, and took him to Heaven right now?

==============================================================================================

Has that Poster been appealing to God in prayer, that He in His infinite mercy will arrange that to happen without further delay?

==============================================================================================

Pedrito always finds apparent incongruity puzzling.

 

[Josiah]

Once again, Pedrito is puzzled.

Post #3:


Don’t serious Christians (as opposed to nominal Christians) go to Heaven when they die?

Solely, only, exclusively because of God's MERCY.

Meanwhile, we live solely, only, exclusively because of God's MERCY.

Can we not number the Lutheran contributors to this forum, among the serious?

I'm not sure what you mean by that question, but I suspect my response is likely yes. I, at least, wasn't joking.

Pedrito always finds apparent incongruity puzzling.

Maybe Pedrito is "finding" what doesn't exist?



Pax Christi



- Josiah

 

[Tigger]

Once again, Pedrito is puzzled.

Post #3:


Don’t serious Christians (as opposed to nominal Christians) go to Heaven when they die?

Isn’t Heaven a much more pleasant place to be than this troublesome Earth we find ourselves stuck on?

Can we not number the Lutheran contributors to this forum, among the serious?

Therefore, wouldn’t God’s infinite mercy be demonstrated more clearly and definitely if He stopped that Poster’s breathing, and took him to Heaven right now?

==============================================================================================

Has that Poster been appealing to God in prayer, that He in His infinite mercy will arrange that to happen without further delay?

==============================================================================================

Pedrito always finds apparent incongruity puzzling.

Phillipians 1:21-23

For the believer, it's always about God's will (greater good). We are totally dependent on God's mercy for our existence and continued viability in this life and the next and sure 'we' would prefer to 'be with the Lord' but He still has His plans to work through us to bring about His glory.

 

[popsthebuilder]

Once again, Pedrito is puzzled.

Post #3:


Don’t serious Christians (as opposed to nominal Christians) go to Heaven when they die?

Isn’t Heaven a much more pleasant place to be than this troublesome Earth we find ourselves stuck on?

Can we not number the Lutheran contributors to this forum, among the serious?

Therefore, wouldn’t God’s infinite mercy be demonstrated more clearly and definitely if He stopped that Poster’s breathing, and took him to Heaven right now?

==============================================================================================

Has that Poster been appealing to God in prayer, that He in His infinite mercy will arrange that to happen without further delay?

==============================================================================================

Pedrito always finds apparent incongruity puzzling.

This physical life is but a blink; and the attainment to the things there of is but distraction from the truth.

being desirous of death is not desiring the will of GOD in one's own life, for surely, as we breath we are with potential and purpose; appointed and giving us by GOD through Christ. The mercy of GOD comes through Christ; and is spiritual and throughout HIS Word; towards all who's sincere desire it is to hear.

The mercy of GOD abounds in the midst of what we; in our vanity and conceptions, perceive as trying or negative.

peace

 

[popsthebuilder]

1 Chronicles: 16. 8. Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 13. O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 15. Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; 16. Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; 17. And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18. Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; 19. When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it. 20. And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; 21. He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, 22. Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. 23. Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30. Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 33. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 35. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 36. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.