Scripture

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Ps. 103:8

Reflections

The Lord God freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.  He broke the yoke of their oppression.  He miraculously parted the waters.  He defeated Pharaoh and his armies.  One would think the people would have been forever grateful, remembering what the Lord God had done for them.  Instead, they fashioned for themselves a golden calf, a false god that they worshiped.

It is no great surprise that the Lord God was angry.  Who wouldn’t be?  After all he had done for them, they turned away from him.  Gratefully, as we read in Ps. 30:5, “His anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime.”  The people had sinned against him and yet he still cared for them.  That’s grace.

This is the Lord our God, the One who forgives all our iniquities, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from the Pit, crowns us with steadfast love and mercy, and satisfies us with good as long as we live.  He even came to us through Jesus Christ and died for us.

We remember his goodness.  We live our lives out of gratitude, knowing what the Lord God has done and will do for us.  We bless the Lord and praise Him.  Everything that is within us, from our innermost thoughts to our outward words and actions bless his holy name.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being a merciful and gracious God.  Help me, through the power of your Spirit, to remember what you have done for me and live a life in response to your goodness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reading: Psalm 103:1-8

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