Thanks For God’s Forgiveness

LORD, you poured out blessings on your land!

You restored the fortunes of Israel.

You forgave the guilt of your people—

yes, you covered all their sins.

You held back your fury.

You kept back your blazing anger.

Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.

Put aside your anger against us once more.

Psalm 85:1-4

However much our culture denies the reality and effect of guilt, there are many today who live under its burden. Many people still have the sense that their lives are not what they ought to be. This sense of guilt may actually be a gift from God to help redirect us to his way—the pathway that leads to a productive and joyful life. But God’s greater gift to us is his mercy, which enables us to start anew on the path of right living. In this prayer to God, the psalmist thanks the Lord for forgiving his people and restoring his land. He had learned from his experience that when people ask God for forgiveness, he doesn’t turn them away.

Remind yourself of the ways the Lord has forgiven you and renewed your life. Then offer your praises to your Savior.

• Thank you, Lord, that you have forgiven my guilt and covered all my sin . . .