Journey to Jerusalem Day 7

Tuesday, February 23 Psalm 25:6-10
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

God is abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6). Steadfast: marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable; firm and dependable, especially in loyalty.

David calls the Lord to remember his steadfast love and then also to remember David in light of his steadfast love rather than in light of his own sins and transgressions. This is the very character and nature of God. He answers this prayer of David’s with a resolute “Yes!”

God looks upon us—each one of us—with a steadfast, unshakable, abundant, love. He is delighted in us despite our shortcomings, our sin, and our transgressions. His love is unfailing and unchanging. He remembers not the sin of our youth or our transgressions, but according to his steadfast love he remembers us for the sake of his goodness. We don’t earn his love by what we do or don’t do. He faithfully loves us because we are his.

Out of his abundant steadfast love for us, he gave his Son Jesus to atone for our sin and die for us, a perfect sacrifice. And if you or I were the only sinner on the face of the earth, he would have done the same, for he loves us so. He pours out his steadfast love upon us; won’t you open up your heart to receive it?

Remember the Lord your God not by the sins of your youth or your transgressions; but remember him by his steadfast love and faithfulness. Open your heart before him and receive all that he has for you. He is waiting for you; joyfully waiting for you.

Most merciful Father, thank you for remembering me according to your steadfast love rather than according to my sins and transgressions. Lead me in your way and help me to walk in your paths.
Amen.