How fitting that during this Holy Week for both Christians and Jewish believers, today's psalm reminds us of the power, sovereignty, and mercy of God to save His people. "In spite of all this they still sinned; they did not believe in His wonders." God's power is immutable and unchanging. Well, it seems also that the nature of man, apart from the regeneration the Holy Spirit, also remains unchanging. The psalmist describes Israel's cycle of rebellion followed by repentance and displays of divine mercy and restoration. We, like Israel, are called to learn from the past and to respond to the goodness of God with repentance and gratitude. But like Israel, our response is often most capricious. Any show of seeking God and change is frequently short-lived. But God invariably shows Himself to be steadfast in His faithfulness and offer of redemption to His people. Though a wavering response is not what God desires, He continues to demonstrate great compassion and forgiveness. "Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not true to His covenant," yet He spared them. "He restrained his anger, and did not stir up all His wrath." Instead, God remains faithful to lead and guide His children to safety.
Wow this story of ancient days could easily be our story. Were we to take a moment to reflect, we could certainly tell personal stories of God's faithfulness towards us even when the bent of our heart was away from Him. Even in our rebellion, He is faithful. As a nation, our history is replete with similar stories of God's mercy and covering over us even when we failed to honor our covenant with Him. Singularly and collectively during the course of 'good times' when we feel strong, self-confident, and in control of our lives, it is all too easy to ascribe God's blessing to our own hard work and ingenuity. But in 'difficult times' when need surpasses our ability, we are most drawn to bow our knees and humble ourselves. These times most remind us of our dependence upon the goodness and mercy of God and the sobering truth that we are, "…but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return."
How assuring it is to know that God considers our frailty and does not despise it. Rather, he shows great mercy and constraint. In Deuteronomy 31, God gives Moses and Joshua instruction acknowledging that that the heart of man is disposed to, "…rejecting me and breaking my covenant." Yet He leads them to the land of promise. In His goodness, He speaks words of encouragement, "Do not be afraid." One source estimates that the admonition to not be afraid can be found 365 times. It seems a daily reminder. Jesus gives the apostles the same instruction. Fully aware of their weaknesses, He counsels them, "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
During these uncertain days, that are before us, let us be reminded of our history and the nature of our God to provide, protect, and redeem. Let us consider what He has done in our personal lives and throughout all of history for those who would seek Him, repent, and place their trust in Him.
Lord, we need You always. Forgive us our lack of gratitude and our lack of faith. Holy Spirit, we are a stiff-necked people. Take our hardness of heart and make us ever more sensitive to Your presence. Let the bent of our hearts be turned back to You. Give us pure hearts and clean hands. Renew a right spirit within us that we would seek You whole-heartedly, repent most sincerely, and walk in the fullness of life that You have provided for us.
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