When I got to the couch this morning to do my devotions, I moved the couch pillow and discovered crumbs from my son’s snack of chips last night. “Ugh!” was my immediate reaction. Then I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me. So I left them there, took a picture, and opened up my Bible to Psalm 103.
The Lord redeems our lives from destruction. He crowns us with lovingkindness & tender mercies. He is merciful & gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. The Lord has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to them, but sent His Son as the Way of salvation.
The Lord’s mercy is a great as the heavens are high, and He removes our sins and mistakes from us. He pities us as a father pities his children. (hmmmmm) He knows our frame, remembering that we are dust….
I thought about how many messes I have tried to hide or cover up. I thought about how many crumbs I’ve left behind in my life and how many mistakes I’ve made. Yet, my heavenly Father continually has mercy upon me, and He pities me, remembering my frame.
How will I react towards my son’s little chip mess here beside me? Will I guide him? Absolutely. Will I be a tyrant, lording over him the rules in frustration? After reading this, I cannot. Will I show mercy? That’s exactly what I will do. I’ve made my own mistakes, and I’ve been forgiven! I have to model the same forgiveness my Father shows me.
It may not be chips on your couch, but whatever situation you find yourself facing today, I pray you’ll remember to be slow to anger, to show mercy, and to deal in lovingkindness.
dusting myself off,
jamie
considering the word 