Mighty and Merciful

(The photo chosen for this part of the story is one of Dick and I on a hike! To be at this point – where I can put on my Hoka’s and traverse up and down beautiful trails – is a direct result of what you’re about to read in this post . . . )

Dick and I are studying a book on the Psalms each day – In the Lord, I Take Refuge, by Dane Ortlund. Our mornings begin with me reading the designated psalm we will ponder, and Dick reading the devotional thoughts. Then both of us dive into great discussions as we search commentaries and other writings for that particular psalm.  

A few days ago, we were exploring Psalm 68. Dr. Ortlund made a wonderful point that has stuck with me. In this psalm, God is spotlighted for being mighty (v. 1, 7-8, 12, 17, 30). He is all-powerful, strong and invincible! 

But we are also made aware of His mercy in this psalm (v. 5, 6, 19, 35). He is compassionate, He cares and loves us deeply, He is tender with us. 

Dr. Ortlund went on to say this: “How are we to think about these two realities? What difference does it make that God is both mighty and merciful, both powerful and gentle? All the difference in the world! It means He is able to deliver us from all our difficulties and sins, and it means He enjoys delivering us. If He were mighty but not merciful, He could save us but would not. If He were merciful but not mighty, He would like to save us but could not.”

Mighty
The Hebrew translates to mean: Abundant, powerful, exceedingly able, Master over

Merciful
The Hebrew translates to mean: Gracious, showing favor and tender love

In my current season, I am made aware of how much I need . . . and appreciate . . . both of these virtues of God. And I’m also seeing how, with every answered prayer, God shows Himself to be both mighty and merciful. These words go hand in hand, and honestly, they overlap and intertwine in such clear and meaningful ways I’m surprised I haven’t put them together sooner! 

Some of my most challenging days involved the time I spent in the hospital after surgery. Dick told me that my first words to him when I initially came out of the anesthesia were, “I’m alive!” And evidently, I said these two words over and over. I honestly didn’t realize that any thoughts of NOT being alive were so close to the surface. But they obviously were. 

The five days I lay in the hospital bed were filled with ups and downs. Unexpected circumstances – my need for a blood transfusion, the incessant nausea, and the absolute lack of energy to even engage in a conversation – pointed me to Jesus, who I knew (and continue to know) is both mighty (able, all-powerful) and merciful (tender, demonstrating love). Oh, how I needed Him to display His presence to me through both of those words! 

Fast forward 6 weeks later to where I am in my recovery, and I’m realizing that every milestone involves both of these attributes. 

When I walk 6 long laps down our driveway and back, I thank the Lord for being both mighty and merciful.

When I observe that, with the exception of 4-5 days after each chemo treatment, I am experiencing pretty “normal” health and strength, I thank the Lord for being both mighty and merciful.  

When I view the scar on my chest and see how it is healing so beautifully, I thank the Lord for being both mighty and merciful.

When I see where I am in this journey, with potentially two chemo treatments left in the plan, I thank the Lord for being both mighty and merciful. 

With that said, many of you have let us know you are praying for us. Daily. Diligently. Fervently. And Dick and I are so grateful! We are watching the Lord show Himself to be both mighty and merciful as He is hearing our prayers. Knowing with confidence that these two qualities of God are at the center of our hope in what is ahead, I thought I would share some requests we are petitioning the Lord for and ask that you join us in specifically lifting these up.

Neuropathy
For those unfamiliar with this term, it is nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, often starting in feet or hands. I have it in both of those places. The chemotherapy medicines I am on are contributing to this. It’s not debilitating, but it’s definitely uncomfortable, and down the road I would love to be healed from this, specifically as I enjoy playing piano and cello. 

Is God able to remove neuropathy from my fingers and toes? Yes, He is mighty! And He is merciful. Because of both of these, I am petitioning for healing. “He heals ALL your diseases.” (Psalm 103:5b)

For my incision to completely heal and my muscle strength to return. 
Is the Lord able to take away any discomfort in my abdomen area and strengthen me? Yes, He is mighty! And He is also merciful. “He remembers us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:23)

We are asking that the next two chemo treatments to be as easy on the side effects as they can be. 
We’ve learned to navigate certain things, but there are always issues to deal with. My next treatment is this coming Wednesday, April 22, and the last one is scheduled for May 13. 

Is He mighty? Yes. “God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine according to His power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20) And is He merciful? Yes, He is!

No cancer beyond this season. 
Because of my genetics, there are higher percentages of my susceptibility to other cancers. While this is something to have on our radar, we are believing God for my current illness to be “one and done”. Complete remission. Never to return. 

Is God mighty? Yes. Is He merciful? Yes. “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17)

Let me just add one more sentence before moving ahead . . . 

Whatever God desires in all of these requests, I will receive, knowing His ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9). 

If you are in a season of petitioning the Lord for specific requests, I encourage you to pray with the heart-knowledge that God is mighty (able!) and He is merciful (tender, compassionate) in His love for you. Keep both of those at the forefront as you pray. This is a fresh, insightful, meaningful way Dick and I are now coming before the throne. 

One of my all-time favorite hymns, and probably one of yours as well, is “Holy, Holy, Holy”. As much as I’ve sung that song in my life (I can’t even imagine how many times that might be), I have never processed the words, “merciful and mighty” together. I have never taken a moment to think through the value of both of those divine characteristics. Oh, but I am seeing them come together now! And I’m grateful to be surrounded by the love of God in three persons, blessed Trinity who demonstrates His might and His mercy in my life over and over again