“For He knows how we are formed; He remembers that we are dust” (Ps. 103:14).
The Lord is under no illusion about us.
The Creator remembers He made us from the dust of the earth. He knows we are made of humble stuff.
And yet He loves us anyway and wants to do amazing things for us. How terrific is that?
He knows He got no bargain when He saved us.
No doubt He lowered any expectations He had concerning us from the first.
When we sin, the only ones surprised are us.
“There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). And yet, He does not turn away from us in disgust the way we might have expected.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
Don’t ever again let anyone hear you questioning the love of God just because He didn’t do the latest thing you asked of Him.
The fact that you and I are still vertical and breathing and able to function is all the proof anyone should ever need on the tender love of a caring God. It amazes me how we assume that life and health are our entitlements and that the absence of one or the other is evidence that God does not exist or is unloving. We are so wicked and skewed in our thinking it’s not funny.
Please consider the lovingkindness statements found throughout Psalm 103. For instance:
- “He does not treat us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” That is mercy of the highest sort! Thank You, Lord.
- “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.” We should not assume God was obligated to love us. And yet, He did. How wonderful is this. Thank You, Lord.
- “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” I’m so thankful I’ll never see that ugly collection again. Thank You, Lord.
- “Like a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.” Again and again, Jesus taught us that the love of God is the tender love of a caring Father. See Luke 11 and stand in awe. Thank You, Lord.
- “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him.” That verse was marked in my grandmother’s Bible (Bessie Lowery McKeever 1895-1982) as her father’s favorite. He was a Baptist preacher who died decades before I arrived, but I am so blessed. Thank You, Lord.
How wonderful is our Lord. How blessed you and I are.
He loves me not because of the super person that I am—ha! He loves me because He loves me. And that’s all it will ever be. It’s love “all the way down.”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. {eoa}
After five years as director of missions for the 100 Southern Baptist churches of metro New Orleans, Joe McKeever retired on June 1, 2009. These days, he has an office at the First Baptist Church of Kenner, where he’s working on three books, and he’s trying to accept every speaking/preaching invitation that comes his way.
For the original article, visit joemckeever.com.
