God removes our sins as far as east is from west, and there is no measuring that distance.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
What does “Distance” mean in Psalm 103:12?
East and west never meet, and that is the point. The psalm chooses those directions because travel north eventually reaches a pole, while east and west stretch on without end.
Going deeper
David is praising God for His kindness, and here he uses a picture to describe forgiveness. If you travel north long enough you eventually reach the pole and begin to turn back. East and west never do. So when the psalm says that God has removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west, it is describing a distance that cannot be measured or crossed. Our sins are not sitting just out of sight, waiting to be dragged back.
The psalm goes on to say that as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. This is not a distant judge. It is a tender parent. If your conscience keeps pulling old failures back into view, remind yourself of this picture. God has taken them and put them where you cannot follow. Thank Him for it today, and let the thanks push out the shame.
Reflect
How would it change your week to picture your sins as being as far away as east is from west?
Pray
Father, thank You that You have removed my sins from me as far as the east is from the west. Let that truth quiet my shame. In Jesus' name, amen.
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