God’s mercy never seizes

Posted on Dec. 17, 2025, 9:41 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord” (Psalm.118:17) A psalm written in reference to the Lord’s deliverance of the psalmist from those who oppressed him. The psalm contains an acclamation of praise, deliverance by God and the anticipation of better days ahead. David began the psalm with thanksgiving, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm.118:1) He wrote the psalm in appreciation of God’s mercy towards him after God has given him rest from all his enemies. In the midst of his appreciation, he developed the zeal to build a temple to house the Ark of God as a mark of gratitude. (2 Sam.7:1-2) The psalmist instead of blaming or questioning God for his past calamities, rather expressed gratitude by praising and thanking the Lord that he was not given over to destruction. He said, “The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death.” (Psalm.118:18) This is because he understood that the attack from the enemies over him was a corrective measure by the Lord to make him to repent. He realized also that he was not given over to death because God does not have pleasure in the death of one who dies, but to turn and live. (Ezekiel.18:32) Like the children of Israel, believers most of the time behave inappropriately, in a manner that is contrary to God’s standards. This inappropriate behavior happens without any feel of remorse or attempt to repent. But instead of allowing them to be consumed as a result of the inappropriate behavior, God in His mercy carry out corrective discipline that helps them to repent and receive forgiveness. The corrective discipline is administered in a subtle manner and in love for the benefit of such believer. (Heb.12:10) It is through corrective discipline that such believer repents and once again becomes acceptable to God. The psalmist expressed gratitude because he not only recognizes the corrective and merciful attitude of God but was also hopeful that his being alive and not consumed was for the work of God to be declared in his life. The word of God, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord”, is word of encouragement for believers. It serves as a personal affirmation of faith and prophetic word against untimely death in time of sickness or any infirmity. It is relevant in times of depression or anxiety to help one center one’s mind on the strength that comes from the Lord. While the word is an expression of thanksgiving for being spared from death or danger, it is also a word that brings hope that no trial or trouble will lead to death but end in praise because of the mercy of God. Brethren, God’s mercy is ever present, it never seizes. The Bible says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb.4:16) God’s mercy is a source of help and hope. It is through the mercy of God that believers are sustained. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion fails not” (Lam.3:22) Because we are not consumed, we can joyfully declare, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord” May the mercies of the Lord grant us repentance that will save us from being consumed in the name of Jesus. Amen Evangelism The whole world is in a joyous mood in anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to accept Him as your Lord and Saviour if you have not done so. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre