Compassion from the Father
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Psalm 103:13 KJV
Some people imagine that God is constantly irritated with human weakness. They picture Him as willing to help only after a person becomes strong enough to stop needing so much help. Psalm 103 presents the compassion of a Father who knows His children.
The Lord does not confuse weakness with independence. He understands our frame completely. His holiness is real, and so is His mercy. We can take sin seriously without imagining that His compassion disappears whenever we struggle.
Earthly fathers are imperfect, and some have caused deep harm. This verse does not require you to describe harmful behavior as good. God's fatherly care provides the true standard against which human conduct must be measured.
For those who belong to Christ, approaching God is not an attempt to persuade a reluctant stranger to care. Come with reverence and confidence in the Saviour. Receive His correction as well as His comfort. Tell a safe adult when you need help, and do not be ashamed of the ordinary limits of being human. The Lord's knowledge of your weakness is complete, and His compassion is wiser than your ability to explain every part of it.
Keep the passage in context
David compares the LORD's compassion toward those who fear Him with a father's pity for his children. The surrounding passage remembers God's mercy and His knowledge of our frailty.
Read further: Psalm 103 in the King James Bible.