Devotions: Trustworthy Compassion

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.

Psalm 51:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Unlike other psalms, this one refers to specific sin and circumstances. David had committed horrible sin (see 2 Samuel 11-12) and suffered the consequences. Sadly, others also paid the price of his sin and his grief was great. This conviction and grief drove him to God and repentance. While he was in his sin, he avoided God and tried to cover up so that no one would know. But God always knows, and his sin found him out. Once he was faced with it, he repented and asked God to forgive him. He didn’t deserve it and he knew that, but he asked anyway because he knew God and His love and compassion.

No matter what we do, our sin can never be too great for God’s mercy. No matter how far we go, His love is greater. No matter how deep we sink, His compassion is deeper. We can trust His compassion!