I gossip.
I lie.
I am prideful.
Jealous.
Discontent.
Impatient.
When I see the face of my sins, it nearly breaks my spirit. It burdens.
But, broken pieces draw us to the original crafter –
the one who puts all things back together again.
And in his light I can see:
I did everything wrong, but Christ did everything right.
I did nothing of worth, but he is entirely worthy.
I dropped the ball, but he holds it – the entire earth is in his hands.
I am destined to death, but he took death on the cross so I wouldn’t have to.
I come to him a broken daughter
and he leaves me as a beautiful bride.
Mercy. Mercy after mercy, time after time, minute after minute, offense after offense the Lord never stops extending, keeps offering and keeps keeping on – after a broken heart that continually draws wayward from him.
What I don’t deserve, he gives. What I am not, he is.
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (La. 3:23)
He never stops giving. 24-hours later, new mercies arrive.
His ways are greater than our days.
His mercy makes us worthy and his grace keeps us blessed.
Mercy definition (Google):
compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.
Grace definition (Google):
the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Mercy brings us into the goodness of God; grace is the extension of it.
Mercy saves us from punish; grace brings us into joy.
Mercy takes what was ours (punishment); grace gives us what isn’t.
What we don’t deserve we get. What we deserve was taken from us. In this, all offenses are seen through a new light, the light of Jesus sitting in glory on high.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Linking up with Suzie Eller’s #LiveFreeThursday and Five Minute Friday.
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Removing the spots, stains, and wrinkles as bridal preparation is something I don’t often hear about in the world, but it’s near to my heart. I believe many of us have been going through some very hard times, but like you say, it’s for a purpose… our suffering has meaning. True words:
I come to him a broken daughter
and he leaves me as a beautiful bride.
I think the thought that is coming through in all of these #livefreeThursday conversation is this: we receive it so we can offer it.
That’s transforming for me. I need His mercy. I treasure it. I covet it. And then I can give it — out of what is inside of me. That’s life and faith changing.
Let us please Lord, walk in mercy to love and serve as you have!
Such encouragement here. Happy FMF!
I am glad you feel encouraged!
In the great mystery of God – we do not deserve His grace, but He has declared us worth it from the cross. Love this reminder! Blessings, Denise
Amen! Thank you Jesus. Thank you for your comment Denise. You should come join us for the #RaRalinkup on Tuesday’s. We would love to have you.
Loved this post, Kelly! It is such a reminder that grace is not just that saving power. It’s the power that continues to work in our lives to give us that blessing after blessing.
Thank you Jennifer! Grace is at work to bless us over and over again. It never ends – praise God. Let’s rest there.
I recently went through a time when our beloved daughter was broken and did all sorts of hurtful things. but I didn’t love her less. Now I understand just a little bit more God’s grace and mercy for us. He will never love us less. But his heart hurts when we sin.
I am sorry you went through that with your daughter. It is so interesting how God teaches us so much about grace and love through relationships. I cheer your heart Anita.
“What I don’t deserve, he gives. What I am not, he is…He never stops giving. 24-hours later, new mercies arrive. His ways are greater than our days.” <–POWERFUL
Kelly, this beautifully ministered to my heart, and spoke peace silencing the internal chaos derived from my shortcomings that I had been battling. Thank you Kelly for the reminder that it's not by my works or because of my works, but my His grace and mercy that He loves, blesses and empowers me! May His grace & mercy richly abound in your life!
I praise God for this Sybil. I praise him that he is at work to free us more and more and more. He is beyond our greatest idea of joy. Wow. Thank you for telling me this. I am praying for you right now dear new friend.
Thanks Kelly! God is so amazing!
I love this post. Such a beautiful reminder that He is the only one that mend our brokenness back together
How true that is Amy! God is always loving us. We are so blessed!
Great post, Kel. Simple but profound at the same time. Thanks for the reminders of how we need a Savior and how He goes above and beyond what we could ever imagine!
Thank you Christy! Much love to you. Let’s get on the phone soon. I am missing you.
Kelly, I have been encourage with this post. Amazes me how the mercy of God is new every morning. Even when I feel broken I know He’s there to do any necessary healing. I needed this today. I loved it!!!
Thanks for sharing and let your words encourage others with the love of God every time.
Blessings,
Tayrina from TGAWrites
PD: Always during the week I read a lot of posts and then Saturday I choose one post to be featured in my blog on “Posts that Encourage and Words of Comfort Link-Up. I have been blessed with your post and I will be more than happy to feature this post today! Check out the blog later. Be Blessed!
I am delighted that this encouraged you Tayrina. I praise God for that. He is with you. Thanks for featuring the post on your blog. What an honor!
[…] Mercy for a Broken Spirit by Kelly Balarie […]
This is beautiful, Kelly. His mercy overwhelms. Thanks for this encouraging post.
Karen, I am so glad you enjoyed it. I hope and pray that you are overwhelmed today by the love of your Savior.
Excellent Prayers on Mercy through brokenness of the heart. . Thanks so much for this prayer