Read: Psalm 103 (Emphasis on verses 1-6 and 11-14)
Verses 1-6 NIV
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
Verses 11-14 NIV
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.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
The author of this Psalm is David, the shepherd who was anointed king. In Psalms we often see David’s struggles with despair and his questioning – but he always finds God’s loving hand of faithfulness bringing him to restoration and hope.
In verses 1-6, we see the depth of God’s love toward us, His creation. He forgives all of our sins. He redeems or frees us from the pit. He heals all our diseases! What a wonderful promise to each of us! There was a song by Don Moen which I loved to sing that said: “I am the God that healeth thee, I am the Lord your healer!” One of the Hebrew names for God is Yahweh Rophe; which translated is: The Lord who heals and restores.
Not only does God do this He also crowns us with love and compassion, and satisfies our “desires with good things so our youth is renewed like the eagle; the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” This shows us the true character of our God’s love.
In verses 11-14 there is the most wonderful description of:
His love: “As high as the heavens are above the earth.”
His forgiveness of our sins: “As far as the east is from the west.”
His compassion toward us: “Is like that which a father has on his children.”
We are deeply loved! When that awesome reality reaches into our hearts, minds and souls it is transforming and we will never be the same! We will walk freely.
Pray:
Father God,
“You know how we are formed.” You are fully aware of the depth of our hearts. Thank You that You are our good shepherd. You find us and bring us to still waters and greener pastures so that we may be healed and restored by the power of Your Holy Spirit! Show us how to open handedly receive with open heart, mind and soul what You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
