He knows that "we are but dust"...

As I read the scripture passages for today's daily office, it occured to me that I should say as little as possible, and use the space to highlight this incredible Psalm...I hope you'll read it slowly, carefully, and with a heart that is open to its message...and meditate today on the character and compassion of the God we serve:

Praise the Lord, o my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, o my soul, and forget none of his benefits --

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you

with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all of the oppressed.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. He does not treat us as our sins deserve, or repay us according to how we've messed up.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a loving father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows that we are humans, he remembers that we are but dust.

There is much to be hoped for as we read this Psalm...and our hope has good roots, reliable roots that cannot be broken apart during times of difficulty and loss. Storms come, painful winds of loss blow across the landscapes of our lives, and yet our God remains. He is more gracious than the most gracious person you know...he is more kind and compassionate than the kindest person you know. He doesn't treat you according to how you've messed up. He doesn't treat me according to how I've messed up.

He knows. He knows you are human, he knows the limits and the broken places in your heart...he knows. And he loves you.