God is merciful

The Lord is merciful and gracious, 

slow to anger and abounding in mercy. 

He will not always strive with us, 

Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, 

nor punished us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heavens are high above the earth, 

so great is His mercy towards those who fear Him; 

As far as the east is from the west, 

so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 

As a father pities His children, 

so the Lord pities those who fear Him. 

(Ps 103:8-13)

Isn't it a wonderful thing that God is merciful?

For some reason I have memorised this passage from psalm 103 and I'm not sure why because I never actually sat down to learn it. Nevertheless, the words of this psalm often return to me and remind me that it is only by God's mercy and His grace, that I may be alive and praising Him. 

If it weren't for His mercy I would still be dead in sin. If it weren't for His mercy I would not be going to church every Sunday to hear anew what He has to say to me. If it weren't for His mercy I would not have the hope of eternal life. If it weren't for His mercy, in sending His son Jesus Christ, I would have no hope come judgement day. 

I thank God that He is merciful. 

In humble, thankful obedience to Him who has rendered me Life, I can sing with the psalmist: 

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting 

On those who fear him,

 and His righteousness to children's children, 

To such as keep His covenant, 

and to those who remember His commandments to do them. 

(Psalm 103:17-18)