Psalm_103

Scripture

Psalm 103:13-17¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,    he remembers that we are dust.¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,    they flourish like a flower of the field;¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,    and its place remembers it no more.¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,    and his righteousness with their children’s children— 

Observation

The below is taken from the Enduring Word Bible Commentary:https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-103/This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David. We don’t know the circumstances in which it was written, but since David was a man who knew the grace and deliverance of God many times, it could have been written at many different times of his life.

1. The Lord pities those who fear Him: David continues to describe the abounding mercy and goodness of God. The way that a good father cares for and even [has compassion for] his childrenin their frailty and weakness, so the Lord [has compassion for] those who fear Him.

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1. For He knows [how we are formed]: The pity and compassion of God towards those who fear Him are rooted in His knowledge and understanding of our inherent weakness and impermanence, our transience.

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1. As for man, his days are like grass: David expanded the thought of man’s weak frame and dust-like nature. Humanity is so transient that his days are like grassand like a flower of the field that blooms one day and withers the next. When the flower is gone, virtually nothing remains – its place remembers it no more.

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1. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting: This is true of God’s mercy and of God Himself, the source of mercy. His hesed – covenant love, loyal kindness – endures from all ages to all ages. Those who fear Himreceive the benefit of this everlasting mercy, as do their children’s children.

Understanding

I read things a little different than the commentary I shared from above.First, I’m struck by the fact that God has such compassion for us, even that He calls us His children when our lifespans are just passing wisps in the line of eternity.  I loved how the commentary calls out the scriptures focus on our transience versus God’s permanence.  Like Pastor Gary shared yesterday…given all that, why would He make the choice He did to step away from His throne and become man to endure death on the cross?Because of His love – His deep, wide, incredible love for us.  To bring it back to the scripture, I “love” seeing green grass and fields of flowers, but not once have I thought to take the place as a blade of grass or one of those flowers amidst the many on a hillside.  I don’t give a second thought to their permanence or transience; I just enjoy them while they are here.  But that’s not what God’s love looks like; His is a love that knows us inside and out, know how and why and where we were formed, knows the number of hairs on our heads.  A bit overwhelming isn’t it?  In the best way of course, but overwhelming just the same. 

Life Application

So what do we do with that love?We are called to soak it up and pour it out!  Return often to the well, draw close to Him so we can experience Him drawing close to us…but then go and pour it out in crazy, generous, refreshing ways to everyone we meet. God, as I sit here overwhelmed by your love my heart is beyond full.  There’s a stillness, a peace a joy that comes with knowing I am loved just as I am…in all my imperfection, in all my transience, in all my failure to be all you’ve called me to be.  While I love that feeling of knowing that I’m “perfectly and wonderfully made” in your eyes, let that not be where it starts.  May I be used to let people know that they are seen and known and loved by you.  May I be intentional in my interactions as I go throughout this day, this week, this season.  Soften my heart to your voice, to your tugging…that I may share your love in personal ways that only you can facilitate.  And may hearts be turned to you as a result.  In your name I pray, Amen.ReiTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.