Psalm 103:13 – As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him
Three Steps to Quench Your Spiritual Thirst
Psalm 103:13 is OBU’s institutional passage of Scripture and holds historical significance at the university. That is because it conveys three steps that people can take to quench their spiritual thirst.
First, the psalmist acknowledges that God is merciful and gracious.
The LORD is compassionate and he is kind to the righteous, forgiving their sins and healing their injuries.
He is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, and will not always chide, though we offend him and deserve his chiding.
Those who know the will of God, keep it carefully and diligently, and obey it practically, are commended to him, and will be rewarded with everlasting mercy.
They will receive the benefits of full salvation, including everlasting life and peace with God.
And they will also be rewarded with God’s kingdom, which rules over all creation.
These are the truly blessed of the Lord.
Their memory is good, their understanding is sound; and they remember the commandments of the Lord to do them.
This is a blessing of the Lord, who has ordained these for his children and his chosen ones. He has made these his covenant love, loyalty, and kindness, and they will enjoy this from everlasting to everlasting, as will their children.
This psalm, written by David, reflects on his own experiences of spiritual thirst and offers insight into the three steps that can quench one’s thirst for spiritual refreshment. During OBU’s chapel service Wednesday, Pace explained the meaning of the psalm and how it can be used to help people quench their spiritual thirst.
