Welcome to Day 23 for a short powerful devotion from our 30 Psalms For Anxiety, Fear, Worry, And Depression bible plan. This short devotional is from Psalm 103:11-12. And make sure to join me in prayer at the bottom of this post.
As Far As The East Is From The West
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
David, the Psalmist wrote these beautiful words of praise. Did you know that he is known as 'a man after God's own heart'? David loved God and feared Him. He was not perfect and made some bad mistakes but he always feared God and asked for His forgiveness. David truly understood what it meant to have his sins removed from him, 'as far as the east is from the west'.
Fear of the Lord
The meaning of the word fear in verse 11 does not refer to overwhelming fear or paralyzing dread. Instead, it represents a reverent and humble respect that comes with recognizing God's supremacy and our own limitations.
The concept of fearing the Lord might sound daunting to some, but when we truly understand what it means in the context of Scripture, it becomes a gateway to experiencing the boundless love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father. Psalm 103:11-12 beautifully captures this truth, reminding us of the incredible promise that awaits those who revere and honor God.
David declares, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him" (Psalm 103:11). The vastness of the heavens stretches beyond our comprehension, and yet it serves as a tangible reminder of the immeasurable nature of God's love. When we approach Him with reverence and awe, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness, we open ourselves to an outpouring of His boundless love.
But what happens when we fear the Lord? David continues, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). Here, we find a picture of divine forgiveness that transcends our human understanding. The East and the West never meet—they continue infinitely in opposite directions. In the same way, God removes our sins from us, separating them from us completely!
He has removed our transgressions from us!
Imagine the weight and burden of our transgressions being taken away. Our sins, once a barrier between us and God, are cast into oblivion by His immeasurable grace. When we fear the Lord, not in trembling fear but in deep reverence, we acknowledge our need for His forgiveness and His redemptive power. It is in this humility that we encounter the transformative love of our Heavenly Father.
God's forgiveness is not partial or conditional—it is complete. When we confess our sins and seek His forgiveness, He wipes our slate clean. Our past mistakes, wrongdoings, and regrets are no longer held against us. We are given a fresh start, a new beginning, and the freedom to walk in His light.
You can approach God with reverential fear, knowing that it is the gateway to experiencing His overwhelming love and forgiveness. Always remember that when you fear the Lord, your sins are removed as far as the East is from the West.
Free printable prayer journal
Take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of this promise and allow it to transform your heart and perspective.
Use our free printable prayer journal that was specifically designed for our 30 Psalms challenge on anxiety or a notebook to answer those questions above. You can download it here. Use it to go deeper as you ponder all that God will reveal to you as you spend time in His presence.
Bible affirmation: Remind yourself often of these biblical truths.
God's love for you is immeasurable, surpassing the height of the heavens. His love knows no bounds, and it encompasses every aspect of your life.
You are completely forgiven: When you turn to God with a repentant heart, He forgives you completely. Just as the East and the West never meet, God removes your transgressions from you.
Through God's forgiveness, you are made new. He separates your past mistakes from you, giving you a fresh start. You are not defined by your past but by the grace and mercy extended to you. In God's eyes, you are forgiven, cleansed, and transformed.
Scripture Prayer: Psalm 103:11-12.
Join me in praying Psalm 103:11-12.
Father, we come before You today in reverential fear and awe. We acknowledge Your sovereignty and goodness, and we recognize our need for Your forgiveness. Thank You for the immeasurable love You have shown us. Help us to grasp the depth of Your forgiveness, that our sins are removed as far as the East is from the West. Empower us to live in the freedom that comes from knowing we are forgiven and loved by You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Other encouraging Bible verses
Related Resources:
You will find the 30 Psalms For Anxiety, Fear, Worry, And Depression bible plan HERE It will have the list of 30 Bible verses that we are using for 30 days for our bible challenge.
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Karen xx.