Psalm 103:11-13
Yes, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so powerful is his mercy toward those who fear him. As distant as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our rebellious acts from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
When we put everything into perspective with who we are and our sins, we should be terrified of you; this would explain the world’s reaction to you not knowing you, and their conscience tells them they are accountable for what they have done. Forgive us when we are confused about fearing you because as we honestly look at ourselves, we realize we are self-centered and loveless.
Therefore, this is why we need you and your plan of salvation. Those who fear and trust in your love and mercy are restored to you by Jesus’ blood. All our loveless acts and failures are forgiven, and this is your mercy; you remove the condemnation due to us because you have placed our judgment on Jesus, and being a just God, you have punished sin. Instead of the punishment we deserve, you give us your grace. You have taken us from that road leading to hell, and instead of condemning us, you have placed us under your wing, close to your side. And if we should ever wonder how tremendous your mercy is, we only have to look up toward heaven. There we see what seems to be the endless sky, and that is how vast your love is. When Jesus took our sins into himself, he removed them as far as the east is from the west. All those rebellious, selfish, and loveless acts Jesus took into himself and suffered the punishment. They are entirely gone! This gift of your love and mercy is ours by faith alone; faith is the fear of you. So instead of being afraid, we now revere you, knowing what you have done and given so that we are your children.
Father, we pray that you would keep us steadfast in your mercy and love and keep us strong in our faith that we will always fear you. We pray for those opportunities to share your love and mercy with those who do not know you. Some will be hostile and even combatant against the truth of your love and forgiveness; it is the nature of the beast that has them. Let us approach them still with the love you have shown us that they, too, may believe. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
The power of God’s mercy is far greater than the weakness of your rebellion and sin. Jesus has removed your sins forever; by believing in Jesus, you will have eternal life.