When things are really painful, incomprehensible or devastating in our lives and we do not know what to do or say, even a non-Christian will say, “Lord have mercy.”    

Let’s give thought to the number of times we have prayed or simply said the words, “Lord, have mercy.” The frequency has increased over the years because of unprecedented, unbelievable and unpredictable outcomes and behaviors we must face. When we are in a state of desperation, those words seem to automatically and easily flow from our lips. They seem to provide immediate, brief and short-term comfort.  We are now living in a time of severe division, injustice, racism, hatred, political strife, etc. that we no longer can reason or rationalize people’s actions.

When we say, “Lord, have mercy,” we are asking for divine intervention. We are so limited in our understanding that sometimes we depend on God and God only to show some compassion in a troubling situation.      

The last time I said the words, “Lord, have mercy,” was on the morning of Tuesday, September 16, 2025 when I heard about the death of a twenty-one- year- old student at Delta State University who was found hanging from a tree. It makes you wonder what the world is coming to as we journey together down this slippery slope. His cause of death at this writing is unknown, but regardless of how he died, it is such a young life that had so much potential. Whenever it is reported that someone is found hung by a rope from a tree, it sends chills down my spine and causes the words, “Lord, have mercy,” to be spoken.

In Psalm 51, King David’s prayer and plea for mercy was, “Have mercy on me, O. God, according to your steadfast love.” and “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness” Psalm 51: 1,8. David finds himself in a predicament where he can only find hope, forgiveness and comfort in God. He has committed some grievous sins that will have significant negative consequences. He has a faith strong enough in God to believe that he will be able to restore his relationship with God, rather than lose it.  

Can you imagine getting a call from a friend or family member who is broken and torn because of the death of a spouse. The first words of response that come to mind are “Lord, have mercy!” In later years, a similar call is received, but this time it is the death of a father. Again, the words, “Lord have mercy” seem to be appropriate and temporary comfort. A few months later, the same voice is calling to say that a child has died. This time the words are. Lord, please have mercy!” Shortly thereafter, another call is received from the same voice, but this time it is a call of hopelessness regarding the death of a brother. This time the question becomes, “Where are you God? It can be said in many instances that if it had not been for God on our side, we don’t know where and how we would be functioning.  

We are all familiar with the passage of scripture in John 11:24 regarding Martha, a friend of Jesus, who was hoping for a miracle that would have prevented her brother, Lazarus’s death. She went as far as telling Jesus if he had been there her brother would not have died. When Jesus told her that her brother, Lazarus would rise again. Martha understood him to be talking about a future event. We know she understood, for she said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Her thoughts were similar to what ours would be by saying, but right now, my brother is dead, and if you had been here, he would not have died. Now would be an appropriate time for Martha to say, “Lord, have mercy!” We, like Martha, understand and believe in the resurrection, but there are certain times when we need a “right now” fix.

If there is something nagging or constantly irritating you, stop today and pray this simple prayer, “Lord, have mercy!” When we pray this prayer, I believe we are on the right track to understanding and healing.

Just my thoughts for today!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor