From Darkness to Light
God Prepares the Way
Zechariah Hears from God
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Psalm 103:1-18 The Message103 1-2 O my soul, bless God.
From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don’t forget a single blessing! 3-5 He forgives your sins—everyone.
He heals your diseases—everyone.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence. 6-18 God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
He showed Moses how he went about his work,
opened up his plans to all Israel.
God is sheer mercy and grace;
not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold,
nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,
nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.
Men and women don’t live very long;
like wildflowers, they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.
God’s love, though, is ever and always
eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
as they follow his Covenant ways
and remember to do whatever he said.
For Reflection
It is helpful to remember what God has done for you from time to time: forgiveness, healing, saving from hell and capping it all off with steadfast love and mercy. There is more: The amazing grace of steadfast love, justice for oppressed people, and everlasting love (even in death). All of this is from God, who creates and sustains all life. Who in their right mind would pass on the love of God? PrayPray prayers of thanksgiving. Meditate on the blessings God has provided for you.
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