God’s Mercy is Great Toward Those Who Fear Him

ByMarjie

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psalm 103:11 KJV

God loves us tremendously, and He displays that love in the way that we need the most – by extending His mercy toward those who fear Him.   

Psalm 106:1 says, “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 

This phrase is repeated in I Chronicles 16:34 and in Psalms 107:1; 118:1; and 136:1.  Why does God tell us so many times?  He doesn’t want us to forget.

God’s mercy toward us is a result of His goodness.  God is good.  Without His goodness, there would be no mercy.  And without His mercy, all of mankind would be destined for that eternal lake of fire.  But His incredible love for mankind and His everlasting goodness moved Him to sacrifice Himself on our behalf.  

I John 3:16 says, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…”  

So according to Psalm 103:11, God’s mercy is so great, it is like the distance between the heaven and the earth.  

“…so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” 

God expects us to fear Him?  Yes, but He doesn’t want you to fear Him like you would a big bully who’s been stealing your lunch money and threatening to beat you up.  God is not a bully.  He’s loving and kind, full of goodness, truth, and mercy.  He’s worthy of your trust. 

He wants you to fear Him like you should a police officer or judge.  Wise people show those in authority the respect due their positions, whether they’re talking to the CEO of their company or the President of the United States.  No one with any smarts walks into a courtroom and says to the judge, “Yo, bro, when’s my hearing?”  So if we show respect unto a man due to his position, how much more respect does God deserve?

Therefore, that kind of fear refers to reverential respect; to recognize God in all his sovereignty, majesty, and power.  We show Him the respect due His name because of who He is: Almighty God, our Creator and Savior.  And that’s all that God expects in exchange for His mercy. 

Psalm 103:11 says, “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” 

Do you fear God?

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