MAY 24 | Micah 7:18-20

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DAILY READING

Micah 7:18-20

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REFLECTION

Our God Delights In Mercy

By Michael Guastella

This passage begins with a profound question: “Who is a God like you?”

This isn't a question seeking an answer – it's an exclamation! This is a declaration of God's unparalleled nature. 

In a world where justice often demands retribution, God’s response to human failure is radically different. He is a God who pardons sin and delights to show mercy. These verses invite us to pause and marvel at the depth of His grace. Unlike human anger, which can linger and fester, God’s anger is fleeting, replaced by His desire to restore and redeem.

How often do we hold onto grudges, harbor resentments, and find it hard to truly forgive? Our human nature often demands an eye for an eye. But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, chooses a different path. His anger is temporary, a necessary response to sin, but it is always overshadowed by His eternal, unwavering love. This is a profound comfort, knowing that even when we stumble, His ultimate desire is not to punish but to restore.

The passage continues in verse 19 with a powerful declaration of God's commitment to His people: "He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot; you will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."

We are reminded here that compassion isn't just a feeling – it's an action. God actively chooses to show us mercy. And the idea of Him "treading our iniquities underfoot" speaks of a complete victory over our sin. Our sins are not just forgiven… they are obliterated, banished to where they no longer define us. This objective truth should be liberating for anyone burdened by guilt or shame. God’s forgiveness is complete, leaving no trace of our past failures to haunt us.

Micah also reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. God’s love for Abraham and Jacob is not a relic of the past, but a living commitment that extends to us today. God’s covenant love is steadfast, unwavering through generations. In moments of doubt or despair, we can cling to this assurance: God is faithful, and His compassion never fails.

His character is consistent; He doesn't change His mind or break His word. The same God who made promises to Abraham and Jacob—promises of blessing, land, and a future—is the same God who offers forgiveness and compassion to us today. His faithfulness is our anchor in a turbulent world.

This passage shines like a beacon of hope, reminding us of the Lord's unwavering love for His people. It paints a beautiful picture of God's character, especially His incredible mercy and faithfulness. It reminds us that no sin is too great for His forgiveness, no past too stained for His cleansing. 

When doubts overcome us, or when we are discouraged by our own failures, let us always remember the magnificent, forgiving heart of our God.

PRAYER

God, we do not deserve your mercy, your forgiveness, or your love. We are grateful for your devotion to us and for your promises to us. Help us to always seek out your forgiveness and let us never forget the warmth of your loving embrace.

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About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.

May 23 | Psalm 125

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DAILY READING

Psalm 125

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REFLECTION

In the Sandbox

by Ken Dillman 

As a young boy, a large tractor tire sat in our backyard; each spring, usually in May, my father would bring in a load of fresh sand for us kids. The moist grainy granules were perfect for playing with my toy soldiers. Invariably, I would construct a sand fort in the middle of the tire, with multi-tiered fortifications on which I would position the “good guys” so that they would have a fighting chance against the “bad guys” below. I would play for hours by myself; after each battle I would deconstruct the fort like most 10-year-olds would, the smash of my foot, then begin the process all over again with a new fort and new armies.

When David became king of a united Israel, he made Jerusalem (Zion) the capital; he fortified the city that sat on a mountain that was surrounded by mountains, making it a secure stronghold against potential enemies, much like my sand forts.

The author of Psalm 125 uses the metaphor of a strategic Jerusalem, to illustrate how the Immovable God surrounds his people and protects them; those who love, serve, and commit themselves to God, will be safe from their enemies. Because of God’s covenant with his people, and his deep care and love for them, even the darkest hours are but a shadow that the light will soon overcome.

Oh, how I knew this concept in the sandbox as a boy, I know it even more now as an adult who trusts in the Lord’s provision and protection, hour by hour, day by day, believing that for “those who love God all things work together for good.” (Rom. 8:28)

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” which is language similar to what the psalmist uses. Regardless of what the Enemy throws at us, as followers of Jesus, we have his guarantee and hope that nothing can overcome us because “the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.”

Often, while playing with my toy soldiers in the sandbox, I would direct the battles in such a way that it seemed like the “bad guys” would be victorious; however, as the battle wore on, when calamity appeared a certainty to the “good guys,” they would prevail because of who was overseeing the battle.

Psalm 125 was written to be an encouragement and hope to God’s people for all times; as the Church of Jesus it’s our encouragement and hope also.

Prayer

Father, you are our constant hope, would you encourage us daily in our life with you, that we can have full confidence in knowing who is watching over us and surrounds us with love.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My wife, Karen and I have been attending UALC for 6-7 years and enjoy God's presence in our gatherings. We live in Hilliard; our three adult children live in Central Ohio. I am a retired Chaplain and Pastor, and enjoy writing, walking, jogging, and listening to live music. I appreciate the opportunity to write for the church’s devotionals.

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MAY 22 | PSALM 27

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DAILY READING

Psalm 27

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REFLECTION

A Blessing Right In Your Own Home 

by Judy Webb

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. (v.4)

This is one of my go-to Psalms when I need an encouraging word. Each verse speaks in a new way, just depending on what is happening in life at the moment. Verse 4 has always drawn me in, and I have found myself wondering what was going on in David’s life when he penned these words.

I always ask God to lead me as I prepare to write these devotions, and this time he took me somewhere totally unexpected. The story in 2 Samuel 6:9-11 opened before me, and I realized this could have been the very thing that prompted David to compose verse 4. You will find the narrative of how Uzzah was struck dead by God because he reached out to stop the Ark of the Covenant from tipping over. In doing so, Uzzah touched it. Some reading the tale may feel God acted unjustly, but this was an irreverent act regardless how well-meaning.

But the exciting part comes next. David was afraid to keep traveling with the Ark and he was afraid of the LORD. So, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The Ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. Can you imagine having the Presence of God resting in your living room? Just think how special you would feel, how honored and blessed! But then what happens when it is time to move the ark to its permanent place of honor. Does the blessing leave too? I read one story about Obed-Edom packing up his family and following the Ark. I can’t find any biblical support for this, but it seems plausible.

Wouldn’t you do the same, follow God wherever he leads? Having had this special encounter and having experienced God up close and personal like this, would not you too want to keep this special tie to God in place? But, we do have an opportunity like this every time we read and study Scripture. Every time God uses His word to speak into our lives and bless us with understanding and clarity we can keep this blessing going. We can continue to “gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.”

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Help us to recognize your blessings each time we study your word, each time we feel an understanding and then a desire to seek out more blessings. Your word is Alive and Active, and we can count on this for ever. Come Holy Spirit and fill us with this belief. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

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