Devotional

Psalm 103:8-19 “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”

We live in a fallen world where none are immune from the wages of sin. On our own, we will live and suffer through the consequences of our own poor choices and our lives are taken in the end. But God, who created us to worship Him, loves His creation. His love made a way to overcome sin and death. Just as none are immune to the fallen state of this world, no one is ever too far gone to be saved by God’s love, if you accept Him. God’s mercy grants us forgiveness, and His grace grants us unmerited favor. This is the salvation of God to a fallen world.

Our lives are short on this earth, and we are destined to be forgotten. But God’s love will be with us into eternity. Our children, whom we love, God loves them more. It is right to share and spread this amazing love to our children, and their children. So important is the relationship with God, that we dare not neglect it. Lest we may lead others to make an intellectual decision about the love of God rather than a genuine, heart-felt connection with Him. This is what God has laid out for those who “fear” Him. How will we respond to this incredible love?

Prayer

LORD God, who am I that You are mindful of me or care for me? I am not worthy of even the crumbs beneath your table and yet You seat me as a guest at your banquet. My days were once numbered, fleeting like the grass, here one moment and gone the next. And now my days are infinite, like the love You pour out on your world – a love without limits in length, height, width, and depth. I will be forgotten in this world, yet in your heart and kingdom I will live forever. Remind me, LORD, to press into eternity. May I not be intimidated or fearful in the fading light of this age, but live fully in the reflection of your radiant countenance.

Scripture Memorization

“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103:15-18

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Chris Tomlin & Lady A – Who You Are To Me

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs