A Clean Slate

O. T. #1320  "A Clean Slate"
Nov. 6, 2018
Psalm 103-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Although I feel old some mornings, I am not quite as old as those on the show Little House on the Prairie. When Laura was in school, she used a slate on which to write, not a Big Chief  red tablet. She would wipe the slate clean and write again upon it. God does that for us, dear ones.

David's praise focused on the good things which God was doing in his life. His list gives us plenty for which we can praise God also. I couldn't skim over these verses. Especially verse 1, that I often say when it is time to pray with kids and they aren't attentive.
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Why should we keep praising the Lord?
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow in anger, and plenteous in mercy. (verse 8)
He will not always chide (defend): neither will He keep His anger forever. (verse 9)

What did you notice about God's mercy?

• His unfailing love and mercy toward those who fear (respect) Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. (verse 11) That is more than I can comprehend.
• He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (verse 12) Folks, the east and west do not meet. When God forgives our sin, He separates it from us and remembers it no more. Our slate is wiped clean.  Such forgiveness!
• He is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. (verse 13)

Without our deserving these, our Heavenly Father gives them to His children. so no matter how difficult our life's journey is, we can still have these to thank and praise God for giving to us.

LET IT GROW

Do we realize how fragile we are? David reminds us in verses 14-16.

• We are dust. Adam was made of dust, so when we decompose, our body returns to dust. dust is little particles of dirt that blows in the wind, so insignificant.
• Our life is short like the green grass and blooms of wildflowers dried up by the wind and heat. It is as though they never were, so it is with us. Only a few generations later, and we will only be a name on their genealogy tree. Will they read of our faith in Jesus and faithful walk with Him?

But the love and mercy of the Lord remains forever, everlasting. Our soul will remain forever, whether in heaven or hell. God has prepared those places to be eternal. Are our loved ones prepared?

Let all that I am praise the LORD Jesus!

LET IT GO

                              ... of my sins so grace flows from me.
                               ... my sins, at the feet of Jesus.
                               ... and be merciful and gracious, slow to anger, plenteous in mercy toward others.
                               ... so I can be tender and compassionate to those who do not deserve it.
                               ... blessing the Lord Jesus, my Living Savior.