Great Is His Mercy (Ps. 103:11-12)

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
(Psalm 103:11-12, NKJV)

I love these verses. They offer so much to encourage my heart.

My God is merciful beyond my comprehension. We’ve been studying the book of Jonah in my church’s weekly Bible study, and the author of the study talks about how we can look at life’s interruptions as God’s interventions. Each of us in our small group has been telling our story, and I’m preparing to tell mine this week.

I’ve been privileged to tell my story many, many times, but I haven’t looked at my life as a series of interruptions … or rather, God’s interventions. It was an interesting exercise to look at my life this way.

What I saw—yet again—is how very merciful God has been throughout my life. How forgiving He is. I’ve experienced some really bad things: abuse, infertility, chronic pain. I’ve made some really bad choices, the worst being turning from God for two decades. These have certainly interrupted my life. But I know, beyond doubt, that everything has had a purpose. Everything has been used by God to grow and refine me.

I’ve also experienced some good “interruptions.” Starting a speaking ministry wasn’t in my plan, and I certainly didn’t feel I deserved to be used in that way. But God, in His mercy, gave me this privilege. I also never expected to be back in theater, but God brought me to a faith-based theater, working with young people … It’s been amazing.

God is merciful. As high as the heavens. And when we accept His gift of salvation, He no longer sees our sin. No. He removes them far from us—and—in His mercy—sees us as righteous.

Thank You, Lord God, for Your unfathomable mercy. Thank You for taking my broken, sinful self and making something beautiful. Thank You for removing my sin. Your mercy, grace, and love humble me. Thank You. Amen.