*Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! – Ps. 27:7*
A Psalm of David – An Exuberant Declaration of faith.
Mercy is the hope of sinners and the refuge of saints. God, however, is merciful to even the worst offenders, sinners, and law-breakers.
Our God is Gracious. He answers our prayers in distress, even when we are the ones who mess up. Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
Jonah, like all of us, was calling on to God in his distress, which was caused by himself.
If he had just done what God had told him to do (Jonah 1:1-3), he would not be stuck in the belly of a large fish. Instead of ignoring Jonah’s cries, God heard his voice and answered him and showed him mercy.
Many of our problems could be avoided or handled far more easily by seeking God’s help and direction beforehand.