“‘The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong. This is what the Lord Almighty says: ’Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,’ declares the LORD.” Zechariah 8:12-17

Dear Lord, You should have justly cast me away forever from your sight. But instead you chose to chasten and discipline me. When I look at the love you showed Israel that was marked by blessing their lives with rain, food and prosperity even though they had turned their backs on you over and over, I realize more deeply just how permanent and powerful is your grace. You love me through all my wanderings and bring me back to yourself. I will never find a love more true and steady than yours. It gives me confidence to
speak to others about you and to live out the rest of my days with optimism instead of defeat. Help me show that optimism instead of defeat. Help me show that optimism today in the way I handle the good and the “bad” that you send my way. Help me to show consistent grace like you with everyone in my life even though they may irritate me with their falseness. Amen.

Never forget that God’s anger toward his child’s sin rests in the nest of his loving heart toward them too.