Devotions: Enduring Compassion

For their heart was not steadfast toward Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.
But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them;
And often He restrained His anger
And did not arouse all His wrath.
Thus He remembered that they were but flesh,
A wind that passes and does not return.

Psalm 78:37-39 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

These verses come in the middle of a fabulous psalm by Asaph which recounts the history of Israel, particularly of God’s faithfulness despite their waywardness. It is very encouraging and uplifting! It doesn’t matter how much we fall or stumble or mess up, He will always be there to wipe our tears, mend our scrapes and welcome us back. He would have been entirely justified in abandoning Israel, so many times they deserved it, but He didn’t. His love and compassion kept Him from letting them go. It restrained His wrath and soothed His anger. He is ever aware of how fragile and transient we are. He only has a little while to guide us before our time is up. He loves us so much that He will not miss any opportunity of fellowship with us. His compassion is so great that He will never turn us away, no matter what. Have you accepted His love and compassion? How will this impact your day?