By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
The Love Expressed in God’s Name
Psalm 103:1–5, 8–13, 17–19
Knock-knock, Who’s there? Luke. Luke who? Luke through the peephole and find out! Yes, it’s a corny joke, but aren’t most knock-knock jokes? When I read Psalm 103, the one repeated word is “Who.” When I consider the greatness and attributes of God, who can compare? No one, that is who.
In His love, God provides what we desperately need. (1–5)
To understand the context of this psalm, it is important to remember these writings are the result of David’s love for God and God’s love for him. When David considered the ways and generosity of God, his expressions of love soared.
David will not “forget all His benefits.” David recognized the source of his blessings and quickly praised the Father. It is good for us to recall the fact that God’s love for us is not based on what we do, but rather, who He is.
David gives us a small inventory of God’s actions when he writes, “Who pardons all your guilt, heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, crowns you with favor and compassion, satisfies your years with good things.”
When the temptation comes to self-loathe or have a pity party, stop and ponder how involved and intimately God cares for you. There is nothing we lack spiritually that He has not provided.
In His love, God extends to us compassion, grace and forgiveness. (8–13)
Have you noticed everyone desires justice except when it comes to them? If God were to bestow upon us what we deserved, no one would ever see heaven or experience His blessings.
Because God is love, He is also compassionate. We do not worship an angry Father, but a gracious One.
I was blessed to have had an amazing dad, but I do realize not everyone shares my experience. No matter how great or how unhealthy your relationship is with your dad, it pales in comparison with the love the Heavenly Father has for you as His child. His love is eternal and unconditional.
In His love, God never abandons His people. (17–19)
Not only is God’s love eternal and unconditional, but it also cannot fail.
Others can hurt us and as a result, our feelings toward them may change. This is not so with God. We can only love Him because He first loved us. He is not driven by emotions or feelings. His very essence is love, and we are the beneficiaries of His grace.
As Christians, our confidence is not found in our ability or performance, but in His gracious and timeless love.
Because of His great love for us, we should desire to know Him and acknowledge Him in every facet of our lives.
Obedience and faith are not obstacles; they are opportunities for joy and worship of the One who loves us the most.
Knock-knock! Who’s there? God. God who? God loves you!
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