Meditation

Read Psalm 103:1-12

Like a parent feels compassion for their children—that’s how the Lord feels compassion for those who honor him.—Psalm 103:13 (CEB)

I once had the opportunity to watch my teenage son playing bass in a band. During the performance, my attention never left the bass player! I was completely in awe of him.

After they finished one song, my wife and I applauded enthusiastically with a handful of other people.

Perhaps those applauding were the parents of the six teenagers on stage. The boys’ playing was not that good, but that didn’t diminish my interest in my son’s playing. Whether he plays the instrument properly or not, I am still eager to hear and watch him play because I love him.

That’s how God feels about us. God loves us not because we are good at things or even because we are good. God loves us simply because we are children of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for celebrating us as your children, not because we are worthy but because you love us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.

Thought for the day: God loves me no matter what.

—Jonson Siahaan, Indonesia