Psalm 103:10: “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”
I was reminded recently of how important it is to carry God’s Word with me in one form or another throughout my day. It may be written down on cards or reading my Bible ap on my iPhone throughout the day. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts and letting it penetrate our thoughts is our needed strategy for fighting back against the various descending domino effects of circumstances the enemy hurls at us when undergoing a trial or frustrating hindrances to plow through. No one is exempt. We all need to be reminded of God’s protection and sustaining power.
Psalm 103:6 expounds upon God’s character as it says: “The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Then verse eight declares: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Dave Ramsey has a famous response when asked, “How are you doing?” His immediate reply (Financial Peace University – dumping debt and building a budget) is “Better than I deserve!” Isn’t that true? That is straight out of Psalm 103!
God Forgives-Hebrew word salach = pardon. Used solely of God in the OT – God’s offer of pardon for:
- Sins –Psalm 103:10
- Iniquities (immorality) – Psalm 103:10
- Transgressions (offense – disobedience of any kind) – Psalm 103:12
God Applies:
- Steadfast love – Psalm 103:11
- Shows compassion – Psalm 103:13
- Mercy and graciousness– Psalm 103:8
If you have mercy on someone, you let them off the hook or are kind to them somehow. This has to do with compassion, leniency, and forgiveness. Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve and is associated with forgiveness. Mercy is deliverance from judgment. Grace is getting what you do not deserve and receiving what you need due to God’s goodness and generosity for those that have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.
Remember, your capacity to perform is not done by you alone. God loves you not because of what you can do but because of what He sees and knows you are becoming in the power of the Holy Spirit. “God sees the incremental advances of our transformation by His Spirit and He delights in them.” John Piper.
Keep on keeping on for God’s glory in your life to be shown from His abundant mercy and grace. He will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Peter 5:10) as you abide in His steadfast love.
Listen to Danny Gokey’s, The Comeback (Lyric Video) – YouTube song.
Domino image from Pixabay 163523.