February 16th, 2021 – Tuesday Early Evening
“Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.” ~Psalm 103:13-18
Do you need an encouraging reminder in the midst of real life? I do. Life can be pretty raw and discouraging, especially when we are in the middle of a crisis. In this passage, we are reminded of the realness of life…and death; a person’s days are like grass which is here today and gone tomorrow. You might be thinking: That’s your real reminder that is supposed to be encouraging?! No, it isn’t. Yet, it is important that we are real about the realness of life; that makes the next reminder that much more amazing.
So what is the encouraging reminder in the midst of real life? This: The LORD has compassion on those who fear (reverence) Him, His lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him; and, His righteousness continues (at least) to the grandchildren of those who fear Him. The LORD is the game-changer; those who reverence Him (in all respects) find His mercy and grace, even though faced with the mortality of life like everyone else. He is the One who can alter circumstances and preserve physical life, yet, even if He deems it more glorifying not to take such drastic measures, His compassion, mercy, and righteousness is always with those who trust in Him.
Do you understand the significance of this passage? Your life and mine suddenly gain extreme significance and purpose if our lives are identified in Christ and our focus is on the LORD (we are reverencing Him). Our difficulties, trials, pains, and emotions gain the eye and ear of the only One who can sustain us and give meaning to the madness. We find in Him mercy and grace to endure and we obtain His joy and strength for ourselves and our descendants. The worst issues and situations in our lives become showcases of His power, authority, grace, and mercy.
Does that sound far-fetched? If so, it is time to dig deeper into the very nature and character of God. He is the gracious and compassionate God who has revealed Himself to us through His creation, through His Word, and through The Word, Jesus Christ. This truth isn’t reserved for Sunday School or sermons; no, this reality is for NOW for those who know Him, fear Him, and love Him.
I’m not sure what you might be dealing with, but I know that I can get my eyes off of Jesus and end up discouraged and waylaid from the purpose that He has for me. Praise the Lord for who He is, even in graciously reminding me (again!) of this truth in His Word today! May He remind you of His great power, mercy, love, and grace, even in the worst of situations!