Psalm 78:34-72

“But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.” (Psalm 78:38–39, NKJV)

Once I received a letter from someone who took offense that I portrayed God as being loving. He accused God of being a monster. (Yes, he really said that!) I wonder when people are guilty of such blasphemy if they have ever read through the entire Bible. When I see man’s track record of unbelief, rebellion and evil, I am amazed that God didn’t wipe out humanity eons ago.

When I taught through the book of Hosea on the radio, I was blown away by how longsuffering the LORD was with the northern kingdom of Israel when they continuously violated His covenant and worshiped pagan gods. Yet God suffered through nine of their evil dynasties before He finally delivered them up to the Assyrians. But even after Israel had been His unfaithful wife, He promised to forgive her and take her back.

As Asaph told parables about God’s dealings with rebellious Israel, he observed that the LORD was full of compassion, forgiving their iniquity, and turning His anger away from them. And why did He do this? Because He remembered that they were only flesh, a fleeting breath that is here and gone. Moreover, God demonstrated His patience and mercy under the Old Covenant before the age of grace. Now under the New Covenant God is reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19). We have been justified by faith in Jesus Christ and are saved from wrath through His blood (Romans 5:9). This should cause us to draw near to Him in full assurance of faith, knowing that we are the objects of His profound and stretched-out love.

Asaph took time to recount God’s works and compassions to them as a people. Take time today to reflect on God’s blessings in your own life (health, family, food, shelter, clothes, mercy, forgiveness, etc.). Then as you go through your day, carry on a conversation with God, giving Him thanks for these things. You will find your heart warming in love for God!