PSALM 103:10-14 – He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
THEME OF THE DAY. GLORIFYING GOD. It is very easy to do. Without much effort, it may become a cliché simply spoken. It is even found in our shorter catechism question number one – “What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” It is a Biblical truth. The Apostle Paul tells us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). However, I know from personal experience, the ease of knowing this truth, quoting this truth, and too often find myself drifting into two sinful areas – seeking my glory, not God’s and complaining of my circumstances instead of glorifying God in my circumstances. Perhaps you have found yourself in those areas too! Oh, the sinful and always wandering hearts that lie within us! But only for a season. Someday we will fully and always glorify God. So, until that someday becomes today, what is something we may do to help us live more consistently the truth “Do all to the glory of God”? Today’s scripture is a great place of motivation towards that end.
In this wonderful Psalm of David, he draws our attention to the way God deals with us, not sometimes, but all the time. And how does He deal with us? Not like we deserve. Not like our sins warrant. Not like we, sadly, sometimes treat others. Not at all. Pay attention to how the Lord treats us and let that be a motivator to not only sing His praise but to live each day intent for His glory.
First, God does not see or handle us based on our past, present and future sins and iniquities – He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. This is the glory of the Gospel. Our Heavenly Father always sees us “in Christ” – a position of perfect righteousness. I admit I don’t understand such a truth because I still sin. So do you. But our lack of fully understanding our perfect position in Christ when we still struggle with our imperfect following Christ, doesn’t mean it is untrue. Trust God’s Word more than our understanding. He said, “Perfect in my eyes”. Don’t try to figure it out. Rest in this truth. It will produce motivation to live for His glory.
Next, God not only doesn’t deal with us according to our sins and iniquities, but He has so removed them from us, they may never again be mentioned – For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Think about it. Should we set a course to travel west, tell me when we will meet east? Never. And that “never” applies to what God has done with our sins – removed from us never again to meet His wrath or justice. That is the power of the Gospel!
Living for God’s glory. Let’s strive not to make it a Bible verse we quote or a cliché we simply say. Instead, let’s make it a daily goal by thinking long and hard on what God has done for us in the Gospel of His Son. If we truly “behold Him” in the Gospel, living for His glory will be a daily passion and practice.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to live in a spirit of gratitude for what Your grace has done with my sins.”
QUOTE: “Think often on the Gospel. Doing so will ensure we live daily glorifying God.”