Reading: Psalm 103
(Verses 7-12)
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
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 (NIV).*
Racette Park, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
Here is a little secret that will be a secret no longer: Of all the psalms, Psalm 103 is my favorite.
Why do I have such a deep love for this psalm? The answer lies in what the psalm tells us about God. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
That sentence should be etched on our hearts and minds. The character of God is revealed in these traits. I stand in need of a God who has these qualities because by nature I am the polar opposite. In various situations I have lacked compassion. I have reasoned that those who suffer are getting what they deserve. Rather than extent grace, I have a tendency to be judgmental. When things don’t go my way, I can be quick tempered rather than slow to anger. I like to think I am loving, but I’m not sure others would always agree.
The amazing truth is that despite all our shortcomings God still loves you and me. He [the LORD] 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.
Satan is the accuser; God is the merciful forgiver. Sometimes I think in our minds, we have reversed those roles. That’s why this psalm acts as such a powerful antidote to wrong thinking. Do you think God cannot forgive you because of some past transgression? Think again. Psalm 103 tells us to view God differently. He is more compassionate than we can imagine, more loving than we can fathom, more patient than we can comprehend.
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.
Infinite—our God’s love and compassion are infinite. Enough said.
Response: Father God, because of your love, mercy and grace I want to serve you. Please accept my feeble attempts at loving you back. Your forgiveness leaves me with a debt of love I cannot pay. Amen.
Your Turn: What is your favorite psalm? Why?
* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
The first volume of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is now available. For a closer look at this 262-page daily devotional book click here.
I love the Psalms 
Psalm 91, it just seems to fit our times right now and I think everyone throughout history could truthfully make that statement. It has been true, it is true and as long as we live in a fallen world, it will be true.
Wally, I know many who wholeheartedly agree with you. Psalm 91 is a psalm for such a time as this.
Can I be greedy and name two psalms? My first favourite is psalm 27 because it was my grandmother’s favourite which she read to me often laying the foundation for my future salvation. When undergoing brain tumour surgery psalm 34 was a huge source of encouragement regarding the presence of God in those hard times.
I love Psalm 27 too. It’s a Psalm of such boldness and confidence in God. It’s on my top 10 list.
Various Psalms have been my ‘favourite’ in different seasons. Too many to pick just one! 😊
That’s a wise answer. In the different seasons of our life, God’s marvelous word speaks to us in the way we need for that time.
My favorite Psalm is 139. It has gotten me through a great many difficulties knowing that God is always with me. I am confident that He has a plan for my life that will be good, because He never makes mistakes. To think that He knew me before I was even conceived is amazing good news. I know too that He will be with me after death.
What a wonderful faith we have!
What a wonderful God we have!
Psalm 139 is so all encompassing. It’s a warm blanket and a shield against this cold world.
Psalm 89
There’s a lot to like in that Psalm, a full range of emotion, worship and humility. Thanks, Vincent!
Indeed David, it’s packed with all kinds of theological mining that can be found and provide stimulating discourse.
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Didn’t know Psalm 103 is your favorite!
It’s one I have memorized.
Praise God