Nevertheless: What a Beautiful Word!

Today, I want to take a look at Psalm 106, looking first at the passage as a whole, then narrowing in on a single word. To begin, let’s sum up the psalm. The children of Israel sinned against God over and over again. They murmured and complained. They ignored His voice and direction. They built and worshiped idols. They sacrificed their children unto false gods. They lusted. They tempted God. They provoked Moses. And sadly, the list goes on and on. In fact, they became so wicked that God sought to destroy them all. He was fed up with their rebellion and ungratefulness. But Moses interceded, and God spared them according to Moses’ request. Yet they still continued in their evil ways.

Fortunately for them (and us), God is merciful, and He proves it in verse 44 with a single word: nevertheless.

Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. – Psalm 106:44-45

They scorned Him. . . nevertheless, He answered their cries for help.

They disobeyed Him. . . nevertheless, He provided for their every need.

They provoked Him. . .nevertheless, He showed them mercy.

They ignored Him. . . nevertheless, He honored His promises to them.

They complained. . . nevertheless, He continued to bless them.

They despised Him. . . nevertheless, He never stopped loving them.

Nevertheless. Have you ever seen a more beautiful word? Have you ever stopped to think about how it applies to your own life? I have, and sadly, the list I came up with looked very similar to the list above. So many times I have treated God without the honor and respect due to Him, nevertheless, He has shown me mercy. I’ve walked away from Him and His plans for my life, nevertheless, He has never left my side. I’ve ignored His guidance, nevertheless, He bailed me out of the mess I made by going my own way. I’ve messed up over and over again. . . nevertheless, He still loves me and continues to bless me far above and beyond what I deserve.

No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve strayed, God’s mercy is available to you. He will always be true to His Word, and He will never let you down. Call on Him; He will listen. Cling to Him; He will never let you go. He is great, good and merciful, and His love is without bounds.

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:21-23 

In what ways has God revealed his mercy to you?