Read: Psalm 103:1-9; Hebrews 12:7-11
He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. (Ps. 103:9)
God is eternal, as are his attributes. His justice, mercy, love, wisdom, holiness, and power are all forever. But not his anger (v. 9).
What does this mean? That eventually God will decide he has punished us enough, so he’ll stop? But God doesn’t punish us for our sins. He took all the punishment upon himself, finally and forever, when he dealt with sin on the cross. That’s why Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Psalm 23 is full of peace and comfort, but I wonder if you’ve ever thought about this phrase: “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (v. 4). That’s an odd thing to say. Sure, these were protections for the sheep, but they were also used on the sheep—to yank them back and to prod when the sheep needed to be stopped from doing something harmful. The comfort in these painful implements is because the psalmist knows that God is at work in his life, guiding, guarding, and—yes—correcting him.
Let me say this again. God does not punish us for our sins. As John Newton wrote, our cup is medicinal, not penal. Our suffering is not punishment, but discipline (Heb.12:6). It is part of the painful process of sanctification. One day that process will be complete. There will be nothing left in us for the Lord to chide, no more anger, nothing that needs correction. Just the beauty of holiness.
So Christian, hold on. Keep your hand to the gospel plow and hold right on.
As you pray, thank God for his loving correction.
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, including God of My Days,Why Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
