Daily Bread

First, till he shows us his mercy (1-2). The Psalmist lifted up his eyes to the Lord, and sought him-the Sovereign Lord who is enthroned in heaven. He looked to the Lord as a slave looks to the hand of his master. It was complete dependence, as the mind of a servant has. This was how the Psalmist described those who seek God with such a single minded purpose. What was he seeking so intently? It was God's mercy. The one who is our king rules us in his mercy. His mercy is what his people long for-to see it, know it and experience it in all things. Second, we have endured no end of contempt (3-4). Under what conditions did the Psalmist pray for mercy? His plea came at the very time that God's people were being ridiculed and treated with contempt by the arrogant and proud-God's enemies. It may have seemed like the time to pray for relief, but the Psalmist deeply accepted their trial in God's sovereign will. There he prayed to meet the God who is enthroned and ruling all things in his mercy.

Prayer: Lord, you are Lord and sovereign of all. Please rule your servants in mercy and help us to seek and meet you in all things.

One Word: Have mercy on us