Psalm 103:9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
Today’s verses, specifically the word fear in verse 11, sent me on a hunt. I do not worship a God of fear, a God who strives to make His followers afraid. So what does verse 11 mean, “so great is his love for those who fear him”?
Psalm 103:10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
A quick search reveals the synonyms honor, revere, respect. One source even said that to fear the Lord means to give Him your undivided attention. Those definitions I can get behind. Fear in the traditional sense I cannot. God is not a bully. He doesn’t wield power in order to make others afraid. That’s not who He is.
Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
Precious Savior, Thank You that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You are not a God of fear. Thank You that it is easy to give You honor, glory, respect. Thank You that You love me so much that You do not treat me as my sins deserve but instead fling my sins as far away from me as the east is from the west. Help me to treat others with Your grace, compassion, and love. Amen.
Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Have a blessed day.