Psalm 103:13-22

I found a note in my Bible, written on the 28th August 1993. The Lord placed verse 13 in my mind before I read it later on in the day in my prescribed reading. On that day I had felt quite upset about something. I can’t remember what it was, and I’m not saying it was legitimate. But I thought about how my heart goes out to my daughter, Christel, when she is in a similar situation (She was only two at the time, but it is still the case at the age of 23!). At that particular time it was as though God said to me, ‘I’m like that with you.’

The rock star, Sting, has a song that goes, ‘How fragile we are.’ That point has not escaped God’s notice. He formed  us from dust. He knows our glory, but He also knows how easily we ‘break’. We are like grass  or a flower. We may be beautiful but we are easily and quickly blown away. God knows how frail and fragile we are, even though we flourish for a time. He is aware how temporary  are our earthly lives (14, 15).

In contrast with the transience of our lives, the Lord’s love is an eternal reality (17) and it is experienced by those who fear him (17, 13) i.e. those who revere and worship Him. What’s more, we need not fear for future generations if they continue to honour God and walk with Him (17b, 18). He will do right by them.

As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. The Message.

At the heart of this psalm we find this throbbing statement (19). This truly is its pulse; its heartbeat. Not only is God’s love eternal; we can also assert that His throne is immoveable (19). ‘God is still on the throne.’ He will never be off it!

No wonder this psalm that begins with a call to praise (1, 2), ends with an identical (and yet expanded) call . At the end, the exhortation is the same as at the start. It is addressed to my soul. I need to continually remind myself how great and good God is and praise Him.

But it is also a call to all the angels and everyone and everything in the created order to join in the chorus of praise (20-22). It is nothing less than this Sovereign and loving God deserves.

Bless GOD, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless GOD, all creatures, wherever you are – everything and everyone made by GOD.

And you, O my soul, bless GOD! The Message.

Prayer: Teach me to number my days so that I may gain a heart of wisdom. Help me not to waste this ‘breath’ that is my short life. Let it count for eternity.