May 29
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THE LORD IS SLOW TO ANGER
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,
Who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with good
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.6 The LORD works righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.7 He made known his ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9 He will not always chide,
Nor will he keep his anger forever.10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
Nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. – Psalm 103:1-11
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The psalm praises the Lord for his holy name and for all the things he gives us. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases and rescues us from darkness. He grants all our needs and renews us especially when we are cast down or oppressed. He is merciful and gracious. What is good to remember is how God is slow to anger and how he abounds in patience. He doesn’t deal with us according to our sins, or else, we won’t be here right now. He is always after our good and ensures that we have all that we need so we can walk in his righteousness. Sadly, many of us, even those who claim that they are believers, do not choose righteousness or even consult the Lord. We have gotten so far away from God as we busy ourselves with things of this world. We haven’t paid back God’s faithfulness with the same devotion and fervor that he extends to us.
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ADORATION: Praise God’s holy name. His steadfast love endures forever
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I am quick to anger instead of being quick to listen and slow to speak.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for being slow to anger and being gracious and merciful to us.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers have a hunger to know God’s character deeper.
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REFLECTION
• How is knowing God’s character important to live a righteous and holy life?