Scripture to Meditate On

LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Psalms 85:1-4

Here, the psalmist remembers a former time when Yahweh forgave His people and restored life to the way it was. And he is asking God to do that again.

Two things to note here. First, it is possible for God to discipline His people so severely that life is turned completely upside down. This is a result of His 'indignation' at their sins. Yes, God is loving and very merciful. But there are times when what His people need is a good spanking. And God, as a good Father, does exactly that - as an act of love.

But second, it's also important to remember that as awful as their sin was, the faith of the psalmist was bold enough to ask for forgiveness. There was good reason for him to think in this way. Consider how our church's confession of faith expresses this.

As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation; so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.

We need to hold on to both of these thoughts, God's indignation and His willingness to forgive.