But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
Psalms 86:15 (NIV)
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
This Psalmist was being attacked by enemies, whom the Psalmist described as arrogant, ruthless and having no regard for Yahweh (God’s name). Then he declares the contrast between the character of his enemies and Yahweh’s character. He is completely different; he is compassionate, grace-full, patient, full of love, and full of faithfulness. For this reason the Psalmist pleads for Yahweh to help him, because Yahweh will do good while the enemies will do harm.
God’s character is the anchor for our lives. Whether circumstances turn out the way we want or not, we know that ultimately we will experience God’s character. Our Father is compassionate with us so we know he will treat us compassionately. It is easy to forget God’s good character when he allows so much suffering and destruction around us, but God brings good out of suffering and gives us victory in the midst of a fallen world. He puts his Spirit with his character inside us and powers us to live according to his goodness.
We can count on being loved and receiving grace from now to eternity because God always acts according to his good nature.
