Abounding in Steadfast Love

David knew where to call when he needed mercy. PSALM 86:5 (ESV) says, "For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you."

The verse does not say God is barely forgiving. It says He is good and forgiving. It does not say His love is measured and reluctant. It says He is abounding in steadfast love. That matters because many hearts approach God as though He is always irritated, always distant, always difficult to move toward mercy.

Scripture gives a better view. The Lord is holy, and sin is serious. But the repentant do not call upon a God who lacks compassion. They call upon One whose love abounds. His mercy is not thin. His forgiveness is not exhausted by honest need.

NEHEMIAH 9:17 (ESV) says God is "ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." That is not human wishful thinking. It is the revealed character of God.

So call upon Him. Not with excuses, but with trust. Not hiding sin, but bringing it into the light. The Lord is good and forgiving. His steadfast love is not scarce. He has enough mercy for the one who comes honestly.

Calling upon the Lord is not only for crisis moments. It is the daily posture of a needy soul. We need mercy when we fall, wisdom when we are confused, strength when obedience feels costly, and forgiveness when sin has stained the conscience. The good news is not that we call loudly enough to make God kind. The good news is that He is already good and forgiving. His steadfast love abounds toward all who call upon Him.