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- Oct 26, 2007
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For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Psalm 86:5 ESV
Sometimes it’s helpful to consider when and where the Bible first tells readers about specific aspects of who the Lord is.
First, consider “good.” You need look no further than the opening pages of God’s Word, which repeatedly say the Lord makes what is good. That is, the good Lord delights to make what reflects His goodness.
Second, consider “forgiving.” If you turn to Exodus 34:6-7, you’ll see that the Lord declares His amazing, marvelous name. In the second verse, the Lord talks about His forgiving nature. He wants to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. What a merciful and gracious God He is!
Third, consider “abounding in steadfast love.” Again, look at Exodus 34:6-7, where the Lord uses that same exact phrase to describe Himself. He then adds, “keeping steadfast love for thousands.”
Fourth, consider “call upon you.” If you go back to the opening pages of God’s Word, you’ll find this important statement: “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). This statement appears immediately after the record of the birth of Adam and Eve’s first grandson, Enosh ben Seth. In other words, prayer became the primary way to talk to (and with) the Lord God.
Prayer: Immutable Lord, I’m calling on You. I want to experience more of Your goodness, forgiveness, and steadfast love today!
Sometimes it’s helpful to consider when and where the Bible first tells readers about specific aspects of who the Lord is.
First, consider “good.” You need look no further than the opening pages of God’s Word, which repeatedly say the Lord makes what is good. That is, the good Lord delights to make what reflects His goodness.
Second, consider “forgiving.” If you turn to Exodus 34:6-7, you’ll see that the Lord declares His amazing, marvelous name. In the second verse, the Lord talks about His forgiving nature. He wants to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. What a merciful and gracious God He is!
Third, consider “abounding in steadfast love.” Again, look at Exodus 34:6-7, where the Lord uses that same exact phrase to describe Himself. He then adds, “keeping steadfast love for thousands.”
Fourth, consider “call upon you.” If you go back to the opening pages of God’s Word, you’ll find this important statement: “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). This statement appears immediately after the record of the birth of Adam and Eve’s first grandson, Enosh ben Seth. In other words, prayer became the primary way to talk to (and with) the Lord God.
Prayer: Immutable Lord, I’m calling on You. I want to experience more of Your goodness, forgiveness, and steadfast love today!
