Devotions: Hopeful Compassion

Do not remember the iniquities of our forefathers against us;
Let Your compassion come quickly to meet us,
For we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name;
And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake.

Psalm 79:8-9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This psalm was likely written after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. It was a time of devastating grief and horror for the Jews, for not only was their capital destroyed and the people exiled, but the magnificent temple built by Solomon, the only place they could worship God, was also defiled and destroyed. The writer, Asaph, realized that all this was happening because of the sins of Israel. They had continually turned away from God to worship idols, broke His covenant by committing horrific sins, and turned worship into a heartless ritual mixed with pagan aspects. They got what they deserved. That did not stop them asking God to relent, to have compassion, to forgive and deliver them. They repented of their sin and begged God to forget the sins of the past.

No matter what we do, we should never assume that it is too late, that we have gone too far to come back. God has promised to never turn away a repentant heart. He will always take us back if we truly repent, if we acknowledge our wrong and turn away from our sin. You are never beyond forgiveness and compassion!