Psalm 103:17 ESV Context
Due to references to family and children, it is widely believed that David wrote Psalm 103 in his later years. He had the benefit of the perspective that age brings as he recorded these musings.
What musings they would have been! Adventure! Victory! Fame! Power! Camaraderie! Great love! Many children! Wealth! And privilege! After all, he was a man after God’s own heart.
It might be tempting for us to think that David, with all his bravery and amazing accomplishments, did not ever feel afraid, become worried, or suffer from debilitating anxiety— that he wasn’t like us.
But you and I have the advantage of the perspective of David’s journals, the Psalms.
That’s the whole story, and countless times in them we watch as he cries out to our very same God in fear, frustration, discouragement, pain, anger, guilt, shame, doubt, worry, and anxiety.
Psalm 103:17 ESV Meaning
Verse 17 is nested in a stanza that describes the temporary nature of the length of a person’s life and the fleeting influence we have when compared with the vast expanse of time.
We believers are familiar with the comparison of our lives to withering grass. Indeed, between our modern victories, we ourselves have daily struggles just like David did. How did the Lord answer David’s pleas for help?
Psalm 103:17 ESV Application
When we are heavy with the load of care that comes with a conscientious lifestyle; when we feel small and ineffective and beaten down; when we wonder if we will make it through or whether it’s worth it.
He contrasts our temporary lives and current difficulties against his steadfast (resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering) and everlasting (incessant; constantly recurring) love for us.
Not only that, but he promises to love our descendants too! What perspective! What comfort! What a loving Father!
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.
They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.”