Psalm 33:22 says, “Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee” (KJV).
This is a single sentence. But what’s expressed is a powerful, heartfelt prayer and request to God. And it’s not a selfish prayer. The verse pronounces that we need the Lord.
David, who is thought to be the writer of Psalm 33 and the petitioner, knows that he and his brethren need God’s mercy. Like David, I pray for favor and that God’s mercy will abide with us. We need the comfort of His mercy.
I need His mercy, and I know you do too. But to receive God’s mercy, we must have hope in Him.
The petition is an acknowledgment of God’s love and forgiveness. We know He loves us; therefore, we ask for mercy. We seek what we need as His children. And He grants our requests as our heavenly Father.
Psalm 33:22 is a far-reaching and comprehensive prayer. The verb, be, means to exist, to live, a state of being. Be implies now and always. Yes, we need His mercy from earth to heaven.
How can we not need and therefore seek His mercy? Only God’s unfailing love and mercy can save and sanctify us.
The prayer is raised with hope and in the hope of Him, who has the blessings we need. The expected mercy is according to the faith and belief in his love and grace. God is love. And it is His unmerited mercy that we seek.
Christians count on God’s compelling love every day.
We want God’s mercy to reside with us, today, tomorrow and forever.
Psalm 103:17 says, “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him.”
Why do we put our hope in Him?
Deliverance from tribulations isn’t by strength, technology, or intellect but by the mercy and help from God. God gives mercy and favor to those who hope, trust, and delight in Him.
God is full of mercy and grace, for these are two of His intrinsic or natural qualities.
Psalm 33:22 is a fitting prayer during this COVID-19 global pandemic.
“Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”
Amen.