Thursday 15 Jun 2023

June 15: Psalm 78:36-40

Key Verse: Psalm 78:38
Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.

Devotion:
How many times do you forgive someone before you have had enough? How many times do you show mercy when others are already withdrawing from the situation? When we look back on God’s chosen people we find a long string of events which work against the law given to Moses and hence against God; yet He continued to show them mercy time and time again.

We need to take note of how far God was willing to go in showing love and mercy and try to replicate that in our lives toward the people around us. Yes, that does mean we need to show mercy to those who work against us and ignore the law and rules everyone else follows… but it does not mean we need to follow them in what they do or to support them in breaking the rules.

God showed righteousness throughout history and continues to uphold righteousness. He cannot accept the sins we do or the evil ways of mankind; but He shows us mercy and gives us the chance to say we are sorry and ask for His forgiveness. If we do that He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and start again – what we do next is what will define our relationship with Him!

God wants to love and support us all the time, but when we walk away from Him and embrace the ways of the world instead of His ways, there is not always room for the love and support He reaches out with. We need to actively seek Him out and invite Him to be a part of our lives. We need to be willing to listen to His instructions and follow His guidance so we can get the help He is constantly offering us all!

Points to Ponder:
How many thing did you do wrong this last week?

How far did you wander away from God?