Daily Devotion, August 28, 2019

Devotion:

Read Psalm 103:1-10. 

Psalm 103 is a beloved psalm.  I believe Jesus had read and knew these words very well, because this psalm describes the nature of God, our Maker.  It is a beautiful, poetic and conversational prayer between human beings and the One who made us. .

Rev. Joseph Monti writes that it is “Praise of the God who is blessing”. And we in turn with our whole being, “praise and bless” God.  This Psalm speaks of the everlasting covenantal relationship God has made with us.

After calling us to give our blessing unto God, the Psalmist describes reasons for praise. Verses 3-14 speak of God’s forgiveness, healing power, redemption, lovingkindness, compassion, provisions, and renewal of life to name a few. In particular, verse 10 says, “God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”  This is God’s grace poured out upon us beyond measure.

Grace and forgiveness are not the ways of the world, but the Psalmist speaks confidently that these ARE the ways of God. Grace is always a gift and it comes at a cost to the “Giver of Grace”.  And God’s kind of grace is never cheap grace. When we sin, God’s heart is broken. But God takes the initiative and “pays the price” of forgiveness.

The Psalmist continues that not even the deepest human sin or most profound evil can diminish the grace and forgiveness of God.  Therefore, we need not live under the weight of the burden of sin and guilt. We are called to remember God will always keep the covenant with us. We are called to return to God and then in response, freely serve and bless others.

Personal Worship Option:

Read Psalm 103:1-10 again. Dear God, we are overwhelmed by your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for keeping your covenant and remaining faithful to us. Help us to bless others today. Amen.