Psalm 78:38-39 – Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger after and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, and a wind that passes and comes not again.

Lord God, there is a terrible cycle in human history, in the church, and even in me. You do amazing and gracious things. You do miracles. You send manna. You send quail. You send speedy rescue. And then… then I turn aside. I see it nearly every day. I keep doing the things I shouldn’t. Will I ever learn? Oh, but God you are merciful. You should wipe me out with swift justice. But you don’t. You don’t unleash your justice on me. Instead, o God, you are patient with me. Instead, o Father, you gave your only Son to bear my punishment. Instead, o Spirit, you keep coming to convict, convince and restore. You know my weakness and my frailty, o God, and you deal with me accordingly. How great is your mercy! Amen.