For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. – Psalm 103:11
How great a distance can you imagine? Science says that the distance from Earth to the edge of the universe that can be observed is about 46.5 billion light years in any direction—and that there is more that is not observable. That’s a span of 93 billion light years, and it appears to be expanding! That may be beyond your scope of comprehension. How about this? The circumference of the Earth is 24,901 miles, although with the movement of plate tectonics, it either bulges or shrinks, depending on what is going on. Still too far a distance? One popular song sings “From Detroit down to Houston.” That is approximately 1,390 miles if one travels mainly interstate highways. Distances become relevant to “the need to know.” How far is it from your home to the nearest grocery store, gas station, or pharmacy?
According to Isaiah, God stretched out the boundaries of the universe. His great hands hold one side of it and the other (Isaiah 45:12). He has the whole world in His hands (Psalm 24:1-2). Yet those same Divine Hands hold yours, like a father with a small child (Isaiah 41:13). Today’s verse describes the enormity of God’s love, “as far as the heavens are above the earth” —46.5 billion light years or more—which extends to YOU.
His immeasurable love for you is steadfast. Pastor and author Ron Rudd says, “In other words, God’s love is so great that we can, in no way, measure it. It is limitless. We can try to put words to it but we soon realize our words are too small. God’s love is immeasurably high. And this great love is steadfast—unchanging, consistent, and dependable.” You might respond to this the same as the psalmist David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”
Then, as Jesus instructed, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Your neighborhood is not too great a distance to put such love into practice! Consider your response to God’s unfathomable love today.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 103:11
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 103:1-4, 17-22
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,
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
