The Power Of God's Compassion

Photo Credit: Proslgn

June 24, 2026

Praying Friends,

What is your focus in times of great trouble?

Imagine a ship caught in a violent storm at sea. The waves are crashing against the hull, the wind is howling, and visibility is nearly gone.

The inexperienced sailor stares at the towering waves. Every swell looks larger than the last. His attention is fixed entirely on the danger around him. His heart is filled with fear and anxiety.

But the seasoned captain keeps looking toward the lighthouse. He is not denying the storm. He knows the waves are real and the danger is great. Yet he understands that the lighthouse is more important than the storm because it tells him where safety lies.

The psalmist was surrounded by enormous trouble, opposed by enemies, and conscious of his need for a guiding light. That light was his God. His confidence rested not in his circumstances changing, but in the greatness of God's compassion. In verse 6, which is central to this section, he said, “Your compassion, LORD, is great.”

Everything about God is great! Today we will meditate on the greatness of His compassionate heart.

This word compassion is translated “tender mercies” in the KJV. According to Strong’s, it has these nuances: the womb, bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, mercy, pity. In ancient times, this indicated the seat of affection.

This section of Psalm 119 is captioned with the Hebrew letter (Resh). Notice his words (Psalm 119:153-160 NIV):

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Let’s consider how God’s compassion enables us to navigate through the trials and troubles of life:

Firstly, God in His compassion sees your affliction (verses 153-154). When the writer says, “look on my suffering” and “defend my cause” and “preserve my life,” he is not suggesting that God has not already been doing it. He is appealing once again to the heart of God.

Just as it was with the psalmist, so it is true for you. Out of the depths of God’s compassionate heart, He notices and shows concern for you in your present need.

He is not far away. He is not aloof or uninterested. He sees you and He sees your situation. His compassion reaches you where you are.

Secondly, God in His compassion gives you life (verses 155-156). The psalmist says, “Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws” (Psalm 119:155).

With all the problems and heartaches that come with life in this sinful, broken world, it is the keeping power of God that gets us through safely. The author recognizes that it was the great compassion of the LORD that preserved him.

The word preserve can mean to give life, to renew life, or to keep life, and our God does all three. God preserves our life both physically and spiritually. He is the author of life.

Next, we learn that God in His compassion protects you against the enemy (verses 157-158).

The enemies of the psalmist are numerous. It almost seems that the whole world is against him as he endeavors to follow God’s plan for his life. Regardless of the vast number, he has God on his side, and that is all that matters.

If you are holding God’s hand, or better, if you know He is holding your hand, you can walk through the strongest of enemy territory with confidence.

Lastly, in His compassion, God will ground you by the truth (verses 159-160). The author said, “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal” (Psalm 119:160).

The truth of God cannot and will not fail us, ever! It is true. It is righteous, and it is eternal. When troubling times come, it is the truth that will hold us, stabilize us, and enable us to move forward for God.

As we pray today for the prodigals and for revival, may we allow the tender mercies of our God to fill our minds and hearts.

Warmly in Christ,

Bryan and Rachel