TURN MY DISGUST INTO YOUR MERCY

by Tammy Phillips
May 6, 2021

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 107:1 NKJV)

Ever since the end of January beginning of February, my prayer has been: 
“TURN MY DISGUST INTO YOUR MERCY!” I know my close friends are so tired of hearing those words from me. 

Where does disgust come from?
Current or past leadership?
Vaccine or no vaccine?
Unmet expectations?
Unkept promises?
Unforgiveness?
Selfishness?
You?
Me?

According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, disgust means to displease; to offend the mind or moral taste. Based on Strong’s concordance, mercy means to be kind and good.    

What disgusts, displeases, or offends? 

Remember, we are not supposed to take offense according to Acts 24:16:  And herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.  If we are to exercise to be void of offense, we must choose to fill that hole with something, and I believe that the goodness and kindness of God will always work.

Over 41 times in the Old Testament, we are told that God’s mercy endures forever.  I do not know about you. I am trying to become more like my Father.  I would love for it to be said of me that my mercy is endless. I can attest that it is not.  My mercy lasts until I take the offense thrown at me or people exhibit plain ignorance and ungratefulness.  I hate stupid and ungratefulness.  However, God loves us right in the center of our foolishness and thanklessness.  Hence, that is why he dropped the prayer, “Turn my disgust into His mercy” right in the middle of a big pile of my antipathy.

This was such a big problem for me that this phrase is STILL the wallpaper on my phone.   It looks just like the picture above.

I enCOURAGE you to adapt my prayer if you are having problems with offense and disgust in your life.  It is so easy to say be merciful, be kind, and be good.  I am telling you outside the power of God this is impossible for me.  I will also tell you that the transformation is not fun either because it is quite literally crucifying the flesh that tries to rise above. Ouch.

Dear Lord:  When I so quickly and easily forget, please, turn my disgust into your mercy?  Help be good.  Help me be kind. Help me to love well like You do.  In Jesus name, I pray. AMEN.