2nd Day of Lent

Psalm 103 (New International Version)
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Today we continue to read Psalm 103. These five short verses overflow with an amazing concept: the God of the Universe loves us. Yesterday we made ourselves vulnerable and tried to be absolutely honest about our real thoughts and feelings towards God. Perhaps we got in touch with some of our inner-most sentiments that made us feel somewhat uncomfortable. And these verses tell us that we have nothing to fear. God loves us: truly, deeply, madly!

Take a few moments to read these verses slowly 12 times. That might seem excessive but this is an excessive concept and excessive language. All that we have done to disappoint God, others and ourselves has been forgiven. We are not a disappointment to God. As you read this over and over, imagine the passage as an ocean and allow yourself to fall into it. Let is wash over you. Submerge yourself in it. Acknowledge any cynical or negative thoughts and then simply dismiss them. Instead, submit to the inexorable love of God.

You could write these verses on a piece of paper and keep them with you all day. Read the verses to yourself every hour and say this simple prayer:

Lord, I receive your love. Amen.

Please add an entry to this blog to share any thoughts or reflections about today’s Lenten devotion.