Enduring Praise: The Power of God's Mercy

 

Summary

In the midst of life's adversities, we are called to sing of the mercies of the Lord, just as the psalmist Ethan did in Psalm 89. This psalm, a majestic song of faith, was composed during a time of national calamity and personal sorrow. Yet, Ethan's faith in God's faithfulness and the stability of His divine covenant remained unshaken. Singing praises to God during times of trouble glorifies Him more than when we sing in times of ease. It is a testament to our trust in His mercy and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak.

The psalmist's resolve to sing of God's mercies forever is a profound declaration of faith. It is a commitment to remember and proclaim God's past mercies and to trust in His future grace. This act of singing is not just a vocal expression but a deep-seated conviction that God's mercy is being built up forever. The imagery of mercy being built up like a grand edifice speaks to the permanence and progression of God's work in our lives. Despite the ruins of sin and the desolation it brings, God's mercy is the foundation upon which He rebuilds and restores.

The eternal builder, God, constructs with mercy, a material that addresses the guilt of sin and the misery it causes. This mercy is not a fleeting kindness but a substantial, enduring work that is being built up in our lives. It is a mercy that grows, layer upon layer, as we experience God's grace in new and deeper ways. This building of mercy is a testament to God's faithfulness, which He establishes in the very heavens.

As believers, we are invited to join in this eternal song of mercy. Our lives, marked by God's mercy, become a testimony to His faithfulness for all generations. We are called to sing personally and collectively, to make known His faithfulness with our mouths and through our lives. This song of mercy is not just for today but is a melody that will continue into eternity, as we witness the ongoing construction of God's mercy in our lives and in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Singing in adversity glorifies God: Singing praises to God during times of trouble magnifies His mercy and demonstrates our trust in His faithfulness, even when circumstances are challenging. This act of worship is a powerful testimony of faith. [01:20]

- Mercy as the foundation of restoration: God's mercy is the material with which He rebuilds the ruins caused by sin. It is a substantial, enduring work that addresses the guilt and misery of sin, offering hope and restoration. [09:08]

- The progressive nature of God's mercy: God's mercy is being built up in our lives, layer upon layer, as we experience His grace in new and deeper ways. This ongoing construction is a testament to His faithfulness and love. [16:06]

- Personal and collective praise: We are called to sing of God's mercies personally and collectively, making known His faithfulness to all generations. Our lives become a testimony to His enduring mercy and faithfulness. [32:40]

- The eternal song of mercy: The song of God's mercy is not just for today but will continue into eternity. As we witness the ongoing construction of God's mercy, we are invited to join in this eternal melody of praise. [39:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Psalm 89
- [00:24] - Ethan's Song of Faith
- [00:52] - Singing in Adversity
- [01:34] - The Relief of Singing
- [02:28] - Remembering Past Mercies
- [03:12] - The Spirit of Gratitude
- [04:55] - The Eternal Builder
- [06:03] - The Ruins of Sin
- [08:25] - The Advent of Mercy
- [10:48] - Mercy as a Building
- [16:06] - Built Up in Mercy
- [21:44] - Rebuke of Pride
- [25:21] - Mercy Forever
- [32:40] - The Everlasting Singer
- [39:17] - The Eternal Song of Mercy

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 89:1-2

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does the psalmist Ethan declare about God's mercy and faithfulness in Psalm 89:1-2? How does this set the tone for the rest of the psalm?
2. According to the sermon, what circumstances surrounded the writing of Psalm 89, and how did these circumstances influence Ethan's song of faith? [00:52]
3. How does the sermon describe the imagery of God's mercy being "built up forever"? What does this suggest about the nature of God's work in our lives? [09:08]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does singing of God's mercies during adversity glorify Him more than singing during times of ease? How does this reflect our trust in His faithfulness? [01:20]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of God's mercy as a foundation for restoration? What implications does this have for understanding the role of mercy in addressing sin and its consequences? [09:08]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the progressive nature of God's mercy in our lives? How does this ongoing construction of mercy serve as a testament to God's faithfulness? [16:06]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How did you respond in terms of your faith and trust in God's mercy? What might you do differently now? [01:20]
2. Consider the idea of God's mercy as a foundation for restoration. In what areas of your life do you need to allow God's mercy to rebuild and restore? [09:08]
3. How can you actively participate in the "eternal song of mercy" in your daily life? What are some practical ways you can make known God's faithfulness to others? [32:40]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal and collective praise. How can you incorporate more opportunities for both in your spiritual practice? [32:40]
5. Think about the progressive nature of God's mercy. How have you experienced this in your own spiritual journey, and how can you remain open to experiencing God's grace in new and deeper ways? [16:06]
6. Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you use this situation as an opportunity to glorify God through praise and trust in His mercy? [01:20]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to join in the "eternal melody of praise"? What role can you play in fostering a culture of gratitude and worship? [39:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Singing in Adversity Magnifies God's Mercy
In times of trouble, singing praises to God becomes a profound act of faith. It is during these challenging moments that our worship glorifies God more than ever, as it reflects our unwavering trust in His mercy and faithfulness. The psalmist Ethan, in Psalm 89, exemplifies this by choosing to sing of God's mercies amidst national calamity and personal sorrow. This act of worship is not merely a vocal expression but a testament to the deep-seated conviction that God's mercy is steadfast and enduring, even when circumstances seem bleak. By choosing to praise God in adversity, we declare our belief in His unchanging nature and His ability to bring restoration and hope. [01:20]

Psalm 42:11 (ESV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you intentionally choose to praise God in the midst of this difficulty today?


Day 2: Mercy as the Foundation of Restoration
God's mercy serves as the foundational material with which He rebuilds the ruins caused by sin. This mercy is not a fleeting kindness but a substantial, enduring work that addresses the guilt and misery of sin, offering hope and restoration. The imagery of mercy being built up like a grand edifice speaks to the permanence and progression of God's work in our lives. Despite the desolation that sin brings, God's mercy is the foundation upon which He rebuilds and restores. As believers, we are invited to trust in this mercy, knowing that it is the means by which God addresses our deepest needs and brings about healing and renewal. [09:08]

Isaiah 61:4 (ESV): "They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel broken or in need of restoration. How can you invite God's mercy to begin rebuilding and restoring this area today?


Day 3: The Progressive Nature of God's Mercy
God's mercy is a dynamic and progressive force in our lives, being built up layer upon layer as we experience His grace in new and deeper ways. This ongoing construction is a testament to His faithfulness and love, as He continually works to transform and renew us. The psalmist's resolve to sing of God's mercies forever reflects a commitment to remember and proclaim God's past mercies while trusting in His future grace. As we journey through life, we are invited to witness the unfolding of God's mercy, recognizing that it is an ever-growing and enduring presence that shapes our lives and draws us closer to Him. [16:06]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you witnessed God's mercy in your life. How can you build upon this experience to deepen your trust in His ongoing work?


Day 4: Personal and Collective Praise as a Testimony
As believers, we are called to sing of God's mercies both personally and collectively, making known His faithfulness to all generations. Our lives, marked by God's mercy, become a testimony to His enduring faithfulness. This call to praise is not limited to individual expression but extends to the community of faith, as we join together to proclaim God's goodness and mercy. By sharing our stories of God's faithfulness, we encourage one another and bear witness to the transformative power of His mercy. This collective song of praise becomes a powerful declaration of God's work in our lives and in the world. [32:40]

Psalm 145:4-5 (ESV): "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Reflection: Consider how you can share a testimony of God's mercy with someone in your community this week. What impact might this have on their faith journey?


Day 5: Joining the Eternal Song of Mercy
The song of God's mercy is not just for today but will continue into eternity. As we witness the ongoing construction of God's mercy in our lives and in the world, we are invited to join in this eternal melody of praise. This eternal song is a celebration of God's unchanging nature and His faithful work throughout history. By participating in this song, we align ourselves with the eternal purposes of God, recognizing that His mercy is a constant and enduring presence that will never fade. As we sing of His mercies, we join with the generations before us and those yet to come in a timeless chorus of praise. [39:17]

Revelation 5:13 (ESV): "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'"

Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of praising God's mercy into your daily routine, knowing that it is a song that will continue into eternity?

Quotes



Greatly doth it glorified god for us to sing his high praises in storms of adversity and on beds of affliction. It magnifies his mercy if we can bless and adore him when he takes as well as when he gives. It is good that out of the very mouth of the burning fiery furnace there should come a yet more burning note of grateful praise. [00:20:08]

When mercy seems to have departed it is well to sing of departed mercy. When no present blessing appears it is a present blessing to remember the blessing of the years gone by and to rehearse the praises of god for all his former mercies towards us. Two sorts of songs we ought to keep up even if the present appears to yield us no theme for sonnets. [00:23:19]

I behold the great original builder coming forth from the ivory palaces to undo this mischief, and he cometh not with implements of destruction that he may cast down and destroy every vestige but I see him advancing with plummet and line that he may rear set up and establish on a sure foundation a noble pile that shall not crumble with time but endure throughout all ages. [00:08:27]

There was no material but mercy with which a temple could be constructed among men. What can meet the guilt of human crimes but mercy? What can redress the misery occasion by wanton transgression but mercy? Mere kindness could not do it. Power alone even omnipotence could not accomplish it. Wisdom could not even commence until mercy stood at her right hand. [00:09:02]

God puts mercy on the top of mercy and he gives us one favor that we may be ready to receive another. There are some covenant blessings that you and I are not ready to receive yet. They would not be suitable to our present circumstances. I have many things to say unto you but she cannot bear them now. [00:16:12]

Mercy is built and the blessings that you and I have received have not mocked us. They have not been the dream of fanatics nor the fancy of enthusiasts. God has done real work for you and for me, as we can bear testimony, and as we do bear testimony at this hour. For I have said mercy shall be built. [00:11:48]

I have said mercy shall be built up forever. In the edification of the saints there is nothing else but mercy. Some people seem to fancy that when we get to a certain point in grace we do not need to sue for mercy. My dear friends if any of you get into that humor that you say, I need not make any confession of sin. [00:21:11]

Mercy mercy mercy, his mercy endureth forever because we always want it. As long as we are in this world, we shall have to make our appeal to mercy and cry father I have sinned, blot out my transgressions. Well that is as I've said what the text declares I have said mercy shall be built up. [00:25:00]

I will sing of the mercies of the lord forever with my mouth I will make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Here is a good and godly resolution I will sing. The singing of the heart is intended and the singing of the voice is expressed for he mentions his mouth and equally true is it that the singing of his pen is implied. [00:32:40]

I will sing of the mercies of the lord forever because I shall never have got through with them. It is true as Addison puts it eternities too short to utter all thy praise. You will never accomplish the simple task of acknowledgments because there will be constantly more mercies coming you will always be in arrears. [00:39:17]

We shall see them streaming in at the gates more numerously I hope as the years roll by till the lord comes, and we will continue to tell to fresh comers what the lord has done for us. We never can stop it we never can cease but as the heavens are telling the glory of god and every star declares in wondrous diversity his praise. [00:45:48]

The grace of which we drank but yet was deeper than our drafts, the bounty in which we swam until we seemed to lose ourselves in love the favor which still was greater than our utmost conceptions and rose above our most eager desires. God bless you brethren and sisters and send you away singing all that remains for me is but to love and sing. [00:46:28]

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Transcript
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