Daily Devotion, August 19, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 103:1-10.

Several years ago, I was at a gathering of pastors and one of them began our session by quoting the first part of this Psalm. These verses have been some of my favorite ever since that moment. These lines particularly leap off the page at me: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious…. he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” And I can’t help but respond “Thank you, O God!”

There is also in the Scriptures an emphasis on justice and how God does hold us accountable for our sins. But these verses remind us that is not the core of our relationship with God. Of course, we see that most fully in the fact that God sent Jesus into a sinful world to save that world; to offer a way by which every person could be restored to a right relationship with God.  

God “does not treat us as our sins deserve…” That’s a good definition of grace.

Personal Worship Option:

And here is my favorite verse from John Newton’s classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” May it inspire you and give you hope this day.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;

‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.