Gratitude For God’s Mercy

The Lord is compassionate and merciful,

slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

He will not constantly accuse us,

nor remain angry forever.

He does not punish us for all our sins;

he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him

is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

He has removed our sins as far from us

as the east is from the west.

Psalm 103:8-12

We often pray for friends, family members, loved ones, missionaries, and those in need, but some of our prayers should be all about God. This was the case with David’s prayer in Psalm 103. “Praise the Lord,” David intoned, because the Lord doesn’t remain angry forever, nor does he punish us to the extent we deserve. The greatness of God’s love is as high as the heavens are above the earth. He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west! With these beautiful and intriguing metaphors, David expressed his gratitude and awe for God’s immeasurable greatness.

In the next few moments, try to express the extent of your gratitude to God. Then, offer this as a praise-gift to your Lord.

• Dear Lord, you are compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love . . .