Psalm 90: The Plan B Prayer Lesson 10: "Early Mercy"

Introduction: "O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalms 90:14) Mercy is "God withholding a degree of divine punishment. It is the mitigating disposition of His righteous character that stays the full execution of His wrath. Mercy is the first instinct and inclination He has toward His people."

Text: Lamentations 3:32-33, Psalm 28:1, Proverbs 28:9

1. God's Mercy
• Is readily available (Neh 9:16-17)
• Is new every day (Lam 3:22-23)
• Brings delight (Micah 7:18)
2. Early Mercy
• Brings Joy (Gen 3-4)
• Adam & Eve were driven from a perfect garden
• They received "a man" from God
• Comforts (IISam 12:24)
• Changes (Gen 27:28)
• Jacob the deceiver
• God gives a dream
• Jacob was changed to Israel
• He not only survived, he also thrived

Conclusion:

    "Mercy does more than lighten the severity of chastisement. It makes room for grace. With mercy, God makes it possible for us to enjoy some benevolent goodness on what would have otherwise been a cursed course to travel."

Additional Study;

1. According to Proverbs 14:13, the unbeliever can enjoy great times of mirth while a pervasive spirit of sorrow and affliction exists in their soul. Why is that so?
2. What is the opposite condition which can be experienced by the Christian? (I Thess 1:6, I Peter 4:13-14)
3. The Macedonian Christians had joy during what kind of circumstance? (II Cor 8:2)
4. James tells us to reckon what to be a source of joy? (James 1:2)
5. Jesus told His disciples that they would be sorrowful after His departure, but after that, their sorrow would turn to joy. From where would their joy come? (John 16:7, 19, 20: Gal 5:22)
6. God's discipline may not seem joyous, but according to Hebrews 12:11 it is. Why?

GB Essie