The mercy of the Lord

The mercy of the Lord

"The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting—upon those who fear Him!" Psalm 103:17

The people of God are here described as , "those who fear Him."

The fear here referred to, is very different from the ordinary fear of apprehension or dread. The fear that characterizes the Lord's people, is the fruit of divine love. It is reverential confidence, and manifests itself in a constant desire to avoid what is offensive to God, and to do the things that please Him. Those who thus fear the Lord, are the objects of His special regard.

Their love to Him, and reverence of Him—is the result of His love for them. He loved them with an everlasting love—and therefore with loving-kindness He drew them. And as His mercy towards them reaches back to ages in the past—so it will extend to distant ages to come.

The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed—but His kindness shall not depart from them, neither shall the covenant of His peace be removed, says the Lord, who has mercy on them.

If the children of God walk contrary to His will—He may withhold the light of His countenance from them for a season, and visit their transgression with the rod—but His love towards them abides unchanged. Addressing His ancient people, He says, "In a little wrath I hid my face from you for a moment—but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you, says the Lord your Redeemer."

As from eternal ages past, Your love to us does flow,
So shall Your mercy to us last, as endless ages grow!

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