Bittersweet? – Psalm 136:10–22
If God is so merciful, why does it hurt?
There are times when a doctor has to perform surgery in order to remove the cause of sickness. If it is major surgery, the time of recovery may be very painful, but it is necessary.
There are times in life when you may be tempted to think God is making a mistake. Just trust God and believe that He is doing what is necessary and what is for the good of His people, even though it may hurt.
Don’t ever forget that God is merciful. However, there are times when His mercy will also involve judgment, which involves the removal of hurtful situations. God is much wiser than any surgeon in the world. He knows when there is a “cancer” that must be removed in order to preserve your life.
Three of God’s judgments in this passage are:
• “Smote Egypt in their firstborn” (v. 10).
• “Overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea” (v. 15).
• “Smote great kings” (v. 17).
God brought judgments like these upon nations that did not believe in Him—in order to save the lives of His people. Even though many were hurt and even died, God was showing mercy.
God also showed mercy in many kind ways:
• “Brought out Israel from among them” (v. 11).
• “Divided the Red sea into parts” (v. 13).
• “Led his people through the wilderness” (v. 16).
• “And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever” (v.21).
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (v. 1).