Psalm 116:5 - "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful." 

What a Powerful Scripture! It is so short, yet it says so much. 

First of all, this Scripture tells us that God is "gracious." In other words, the Psalmist is simply saying that "God is Good." How many of us can say, "Amen" to that? 

When we think of how Jesus saved us from the burning flames of hell, we can shout from the housetops - "GOD IS GOOD!" When we think of how Jesus touched our minds and took away all our confusion due to Sin, we can certainly shout - "GOD IS GOOD!" When we think of how many times Jesus healed our sick bodies, mended our broken hearts, rescued us from death's door, supplied our
every need, led us in the right way when we had no idea which way to turn, or stuck with us when others abandoned us - we can most assuredly cry out from the highest rafters that "OUR GOD IS GOOD!" 

Secondly, the Psalmist declared that God is "righteous." There is such sweet consolation and strength in knowing that God is "righteous." He always does what is right; therefore, we can certainly trust Him with every detail of our lives. He can never fail nor make a mistake. In our everyday dealings with our family, friends, fellow workers, etc. we can look to God for wisdom and guidance for He will surely tell us the best way to take for our God Is Righteous.

Lastly, Psalm 116:5 tells us that "our God is merciful." I heard it once said that mercy can be defined as "God not giving us what we deserve." We all deserved eternal punishment in HELL. God was merciful and instead gave us everlasting life in His Son Jesus. He didn't give us what we deserved. 

Oh! How merciful is this wonderful Savior! 

How many times did we deserve punishment or chastening, only to have Him extend His merciful hands to us and pick us up and hold us in His loving arms. When we deserved a swift rebuke, He came along and spoke gently to us and showed us a better way. Praise His Holy Name! 

One definition of mercy that I just absolutely love is this one - "to love deeply." Just to think that there is a God in heaven Who is so(excuse the expression) crazy about each one of us is mind boggling. Yet He is! 

I don't know about you, but every once in a while, I need to hear Scriptures like this one. 

Perhaps today your day did not start off right. You may have heard some bad news, had car trouble, woke up feeling sick or depressed, or are facing some impossibilities in your family life and cannot see any way out. 

May you be greatly encouraged by God's Word. 

God has everything under control! 

And He will certainly see you through the darkest hour for - Remember - He is the Light of the World!