After reading about so much disobedience, unfaithfulness, and other behaviors that evoked God’s wrath in previous books of the old testament, how refreshing it is to read about the loving and compassionate characteristics of our God who I believe really is for us, loves us and wants to lavish us with good things. Psalm 112 really struck me as it expounded on how God responds to those who “fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands”. I have recited below items from Psalm 112 in first person, because I like to make scripture reading personal:

My children will be successful everywhere.
My good deeds will last forever.
Light shines in the darkness for me.
Good will come to me if I lend money generously.
Good will come to me if I conduct my business fairly.
I will be long remembered.
I will not fear bad news but will confidently trust the Lord to care for me.
I will be confident and fearless and will face my foes triumphantly.
I will share freely and give generously to those in need.
I will have influence and honor, and the wicked will see this and be infuriated.

I love reading passages like this because I need constant reminders that God is for me, loves me, wants the best for me, and will use His power on my behalf. John 3:16 is very famous, but reading this passage brought the verse that follow John 3:16 to mind, John 3:17. It says: “God did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it”. There it is again in John 3:17, the picture of my God that does not want to condemn me or send his wrath upon me, but wants to save me and build me up.