9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
This week as we meditate on Psalm 103, I have a question for you. Have you ever thrown a spiritual temper tantrum? (Asking for a friend). There are times when life’s circumstances feel unfair and we just look up to heaven and ask, “Seriously?” It hurts and we don’t understand why.
But also there are times when we are in a fix of our own making. We know that we are reaping what we’ve sown. We know that we are facing the consequences of our own sin and in God’s economy there’s some discipline associated with that. A spiritual spanking, if you will. Dang this hurts–but we know we pretty much had it coming.
We know from other places in scripture that it’s because we are God’s kids and he loves us that He disciplines us. Hebrews 12:7 tells us:
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”
And even though these times of discipline sting, Psalm 103:10 reminds us that the punishment does not fit the crime. “He does not deal with us according to our sins.” He shows restraint and mercy. He doesn’t give us what we deserve. Any discipline we are receiving is not retribution but is meant to teach and mature and strengthen us.
Take heart. There’s good news. These periods of suffering and discipline from our heavenly Father won’t last forever. Our Summer Psalm reminds us that we will not be subject to His discipline nor the consequences of our sinful behavior forever.
Whether you’re in a time of God’s favor or under His merciful hand of discipline this week, Bless Him because
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.