The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. ~ Psalm 145:8-14
Whenever I feel like the world is coming apart at the seams, or when I find myself asking where God is, or why God doesn't punish the "bad" people of this world, I am reminded of this passage.
I am reminded that God is slow to anger and quick to love.
That once God's love is given, it isn't taken away.
And who God decides to love, isn't up to me.
That, of course, is good news for me, as it is for anyone. Because I know there are times when I just don't act loving myself.
This isn't often the face of God we are presented with in the world. In so many arenas I hear of God's anger and judgment.
I hear of God's unwavering desire to send to hell anyone who isn't pleasing to God.
But that just doesn't jibe with the God of this Psalm: the God that I know.
The God who is loving, gracious, merciful, steadfast, faithful.
The God who lifts up those who are bowed down, hunched over, beaten by life, humbled.
The God who catches us when we fall.
The God who is slow to anger and quick to love.
I am so grateful for your love, Lord. Help me to love as lavishly. Amen
Comments