Dave’s Monday Blast – February 5, 2018

So far, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and as found in Psalm 103,  David informs us that God forgives us, heals us, and redeems us. All of this is possible because of His fourth benefit/promise:

4. Our Lord “crowns you with Steadfast Love and Mercy” (v. 4b). “Steadfast love” translates hesed. Pastor Jim Denison  comments, “‘hesed’ is one the great Hebrew words. It is difficult to fully render into English. It refers to God’s faithfulness, goodness, graciousness, loyalty, favor and kindness. It is the Old Testament equivalent to the New Testament’s agape love.

God “crowns” us with such love. The word means to encircle, to surround. Our Father encircles us with both love and “mercy,” translating a Hebrew word for compassion. It’s been said that grace is getting what we do not deserve; mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Taken together, God’s “steadfast love” and His “mercy” surround us with both. ”

David repeats this fact a few verses later: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (v. 8). He is “abounding” in such love…the Hebrew means that His love is overflowing beyond all bounds.

No matter what happens to you in the coming year, know that God loves you. Measure your circumstances by His love rather than His love by your circumstances.

Charles Spurgeon told of walking with a friend through the English countryside and noticing a barn with an unusual weather vane on its roof. At its top were the words, “GOD IS LOVE.” Spurgeon told his friend that he disagreed with the weather vane, since the weather changes but God’s love is constant. His friend took a different view: Whichever way the wind blows, God is love. That’s good isn’t it!

My friends, we serve a God who loves us. This INTENTIONAL act is something we can rely upon. Why is this promise relevant to you today?

Next week the 5th and last benefit/promise from Psalm 103…God Renews You (v. 5).