Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend
O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)
Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, think about how God’s care flows through the majestic and the minute. From grand vistas to the closest droplet of water it is everywhere. Do you have eyes to see it? Let’s think about this.
Tender and Firm
When do you most appreciate mercy? Whenever you need it!
Sometimes we are keenly aware of just how much we need mercy. We have fallen and failed and we have little hope of being able to get back up. Mercy extended from one who can help us up is appreciated, especially when that one has every right to withhold it.
Have you ever let someone down? Failed to follow through on a promise? Made a mistake that cost you some emotional capital? We have all been in need of mercy at some point. When the mercy extended is tender it is much easier to receive. But what about firm mercy?
There are at least two ways of thinking of firm. The first is sure, solidly in place and stable. That is the kind of mercy I have thrown my life toward. The kind of mercy I can count on when I need it most. God’s mercy.
The second is similar but just a little different, that is unlikely to change. This is a firm that is not dependent on my actions or merits but rather is independent and unyielding. How glad I am that can also be said of God’s mercy.
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; Lamentations 3:22 ESV
We fail because we are frail. Thankfully, the same is not true of our God or His love for us. Even when we fail Him His love covers all those weaknesses because it is firm to the end. And yet it is also tender and gently helps us back up when we fall. There is no one like our King!
We also learn that God is not only trustworthy and unfailing, but also His mercy presents an unparalleled mixture of tenderness and firmness. Praise God His mercy is tender for there are many times we need it to be. And also praise Him that it is firm, never wavering.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about God’s mercy. It is tender and firm. Which expression of it do you most need today? Pray this simple prayer, “God, I praise You for mercy tender and firm.” Then through yourself at HIs mercy once again.
My Help
There is no single word that can fully describe this King, our King. This last line uses four different ones in an attempt to capture at least a glimpse of this One who is so unlike any other. Still we are left realizing we have barely scratched the surface of His value.
God has different names or titles because He meets us in so many different circumstances. They words used to describe Him help remind each of us of all the ways He has helped us before. What word or name of God is most meaningful to you today? It is probably different than the one you will be thankful for tomorrow.
Yet it will have this constant: It will be the most vibrant response to your greatest need. You generally will not need to ponder or think of it because it will be right on the tip of your tongue. He wants to help you.
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend
For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. Isaiah 54:5 ESV
He made us, then made us His own. He gives us a choice, but why would anyone look for protection anywhere else? He redeems us from all our failings, and not just us, but the whole earth, demonstrating He is a friend to all, but especially those who love Him.
He made us. He defends us. He is redeeming us. And so much more! Why? Because He is our Friend. He is unwilling to leave us in our feeble and frail state, but makes a way for each of us to find rest and peace in Him if we will but acknowledge Him for who He is.
Lord, thank You for being my Friend.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God has helped you today, this week, this season. He knows what we need even better than we do, and longs to be the help we need. All of that flows from His desire to be our Friend. Pray simply, “Lord, thank You for being my Friend.“
Lord, thank You for every demonstration of mercy. When I stop long enough to ponder them I am overwhelmed by Your kindness to Me. You are my Help. In Jesus name. Amen.
Grateful Thinking!
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Podcast 32.4 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 ESV
We are weak and frail. It does not take much living to reveal this truth and yet many remain in denial even as they breathe their last. Humble yourself before God. Confess how feeble you are and how much you need Him. He already knows it since He made us.
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV
One of the ways we demonstrate our trust in God is looking to Him to lead us. He never fails us because there is no limit to His strength or His love. Will you listen for His love every morning, as opposed to just starting your day without Him? Wake up tomorrow and affirm your trust in Him.
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; Lamentations 3:22 ESV
We fail because we are frail. Thankfully, the same is not true of our God or His love for us. Even when we fail Him His love covers all those weaknesses because it is firm to the end. And yet it is also tender and gently helps us back up when we fall. There is no one like our King!
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend
For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. Isaiah 54:5 ESV
He made us, then made us His own. He gives us a choice, but why would anyone look for protection anywhere else? He redeems us from all our failings, and not just us, but the whole earth, demonstrating He is a friend to all, but especially those who love Him.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post We are Frail, Feeble and Failing, But God is Firm appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end – https://pixabay.com/photos/man-fall-action-falling-1838330/
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/help-information-problem-solution-1013700/
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