“As a father shows compassion to His children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.” – Psalm 103:13 (ESV)
Have you ever had to come before your father or a father figure after doing something silly? Imagine the fear, shame, and uncertainty, especially if they were direct disobedience. And instead of the reprimand, you were pulled into an embrace and heard the words, ‘it’s ok, I forgive you,’ or ‘everything will be alright.’ What relief and love would you then want to bestow upon that individual!
The account of the children of Israel wandering in the desert for forty years for disobeying God, flaunting His commands, making false gods, and worshipping these gods in the camp, complaining and grumbling, comes to mind. Yet God, in His infinite grace and mercy, forgave and embraced them as His chosen people.
We have a heavenly Father Who demonstrates compassion. If we reflect on how much compassion God has demonstrated toward us, we will be in a perpetual state of gratitude. Here are a few reminders of how we have been shown compassion. God has shown or demonstrated compassion toward us in our ignorance, weaknesses, foolishness, stumbles, and falls.
God has demonstrated His compassion and love toward us in our childish misbehaviours and rebellions, when we are fearful and uncertain about the future, when another wrongs us, and when we are in pain. Whatever point you are at in your walk with the Lord, be confident that His compassion is extended toward you. This journey is not a solo journey, but a journey where you have the privilege of the presence of the Most High, our Lord and Saviour, our Risen Messiah, our King walking beside us.
As we come into communion with the Lord, our Heavenly Father, we have the assurance that He will walk beside us, once we fear Him. Today, my brothers and sisters, let’s rejoice in the presence of the Lord Who walks beside us. Psalm 21:6 (NIV) says, “Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.”
What an assurance of the presence and victory the Lord our God gives through our relationship with Him. May you forever dwell in His presence.
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for Your unfailing love and compassion. Thank You, that even when I fail, You are there with me and love me unconditionally. Thank You, Jesus.
Read: Psalm 116:5; Romans 5:11
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 15:31-33; Proverbs 16:1-7; Acts 19:14-41; I Kings 22