Praise God for His Pity

This morning I was led to the book of Joel and the passage titled “The LORD Had Pity”. Verse 26 is where the focus was, however as usual, I look to before and after to get more that just a snip in time. Below is the verse.

“²⁶You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD your God,

who has dealt wondrously with you.

And my people shall never again be put to shame.” — Joel 2:26 (ESV)

When I read only the verse, I see that the LORD’s provision will be plentiful and for that I should be praising Him. He makes sure that I “need” for nothing and He will deal “wondrously” with me. He goes so far as to say that I will “never again be put to shame”, indicating that He is with me always and will continuously protect and provide.

But, look at that last sentence again, “never again”. This indicates that there was a time of shame. The LORD allowed for difficulty and overtaking. It is not until you read the rest of the passage that there is more understanding as to what took place and the place where the LORD is at this time and with us now. The LORD took pity on the people and brought them provision and protection. He gave to them to lead them to again find Him and rely on Him. That is the point of that final sentence. He would “never again” allow that to happen to His people. And look here at verse 27.

“²⁷You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,

and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else.

And my people shall never again be put to shame.” — Joel 2:27 (ESV)

The LORD will always be with me. He will be known to be with me and I will know that there is none like Him. He is the living God and will continue to bring provision and protection to us His people in the midst of any and everything that we may face. I have to remember to give myself to Him full each day and Praise Him for all that He is and provides and will provide. I have to praise God for having pity on me and all of my shortcomings.

What praise are you bringing to the LORD? Are you even aware that He knows of our suffering and has pity on us for that suffering? What if you were to praise Him for the pity He has on us and will have on us to provide for our forever?