Failure And Forgiveness

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.

Psalm 103:8-14

I am lingering in Psalm 103 today. I am especially grateful for the generous gift of God’s sweet grace I find in these verses because I’m dealing with guilt and remorse about my actions this past weekend.

My sweet daughter brought a precious friend from college home with her for the weekend. The friend was taking a test at another school close by, and Kali thought it made sense to have her stay with us. I’d like to say I was the picture of hospitality, but I wasn’t. In not one but two situations I was not quick to listen, not slow to speak, and not slow to be angry.

Although the Holy Spirit is always living inside believers, I let my human nature show itself more than I left room for His character to shine! I failed to model Christlike behaviors and attitudes, even while writing these devotions. Can you see my tears? Do you know the feeling of failure too?

Where can we go when we mess up? Who can help us deal with our shame and regret? There is no one to turn to except God through the cross of Christ! He has a perfect plan for getting us through. He knows how weak we are on our own, but He is slow to get angry with us. His overflowing heart of unfailing love will not constantly accuse us, and He won’t stay angry forever. He is not harsh with us, but instead helps us deal with our guilt and shame, and then puts it behind us forever.

“Lord, my love fails with the people I love the most, but Your love never fails! Thank You for forgiving me.”

Camp in Psalm 103 every day . . . tomorrow . . . this week . . . forever.