The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. – Psalm 103:8
I love to do word studies; not in order to change the meaning of a Biblical text but to help discover the depth of what the writer intended for us to know and to enhance the understanding of the text. I believe that every word of Scripture is inspired by God and is chosen for a reason (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
In this beautiful verse from Psalm 103, King David lists four divine attributes of God’s nature, character and glory, as He has revealed Himself to us through His word and by His presence in our lives. These are some of the most comforting and reassuring qualities ever written about God. For divine emphasis, these same four attributes are repeated throughout Scripture (Exodus 34:6; Micah 7:18-19; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Psalm 86:15, 145:8-9). Here they are:
1. The LORD is merciful . . .
Mercy is a magnificent word, especially when we are the recipients of it. But mercy is also something that God intended for us to show to others as well as receive for ourselves (See Matthew 5:7). Literally the word in the Hebrew means “to love tenderly; to have compassion and to pity.” Mercy is a “kind treatment of someone who could be treated harshly.” In this context, it expresses the extremity of God’s mercy as merci-ful. In other words, unlike us, God’s mercy never runs out and aren’t we glad? Years ago I learned a beautiful little chorus that always reminds me of that mercy. It goes like this:
Mercy, mercy, God’s love and mercy.
That saved both you, you and me.
If we had gotten justice, we would surely be lost.
But we found mercy, when we knelt at the Cross.
2. The LORD is gracious . . .
If mercy is not getting what we deserve, then grace is equally a blessing in that in grace we receive what we don’t deserve. To be gracious denotes a free and spontaneous willingness to bestow good on someone who is destitute. That’s us, my friends! Grace shows favor by way of compassion but excludes all idea of merit. It is freely given as a gift but it is never based on our good deeds. Grace is what we received when we believed in Jesus as our Lord and Savior (See Ephesians 2:8-9).
There are millions of people today who are bound up in religious systems that promise a salvation built solely upon “good works,” and in extreme cases even martyrdom. They have been erroneously taught that their human destiny is determined based solely on the accumulation of enough good deeds before they die to offset their bad deeds. Never having assurance of their state until their lives are over, they live in perpetual fear of God instead of enjoying His mercy, grace and love. If you fall in that category you need to know that Jesus settled the issue of salvation once and for all on the Cross (See John 3:16-17).
3. The LORD is slow to anger . . .
God’s anger is always an expression of His righteousness. He hates our sin and rebellion, but He does not in haste deal with us according to those sins, or punish us according to our inconsistencies (Psalm 103:10). He always gives us a warning and time to repent before He acts with judgment. If the Lord were to constantly accuse or remain angry forever, no one would be left (See Isaiah 54:7-8). “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
4. The LORD is abounding in steadfast love.
Chesed is the Hebrew word for steadfast love and it is one of the richest words to describe God in the Old Testament. It is best defined as His unfailing and unconditional love that goes far beyond our ability to comprehend it totally but because “God is love” (1 John 4:8) we can experience it in a personal relationship with Him. Chesed emphasizes the unchanging good and holy character of God. The apostle Paul was convinced that for the believer, there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God (See Romans 8:38-39).
I love the chorus from the contemporary worship song, One Thing Remains because it also reminds us of that wonderful truth, “Your love never fails, it never gives up. It never runs out on me.” That’s unconditional love!
There you have it my friends. “God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, and rich in love to all who call upon His name. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever” (Psalm 103:8-9 The Message).
If you have never received His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can do so right now by saying this simple prayer to invite Him into your life (Peace With God).
Before you go, please listen to this beautiful worship hymn by Selah which is so relevant to this devotional. I believe it’ll make your day. Just click on the graphic below. Maranatha!
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To help us walk closer with God and to know Him better.
