Problems, Not Punishment

Bible in a Year :

Deuteronomy 30-31
Mark 15:1-25

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

Psalm 103:10

Today’s Scripture & Insight :Psalm 103:1–2, 8–12

I simply didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to cope with yet another difficulty. I had lost two close relatives, encountered a stressful legal scenario and struggled with a problem that rumbled on for two years. When another issue erupted, the strain felt overwhelming. Feeling abandoned by God, I wondered if I’d lost His favour and was somehow being punished for my sins.

Crying out in prayer, however, I was reminded of Scriptures affirming God’s forgiveness, His promise never to leave us, His great love and compassion that greet us every morning, and the truth that “He does not treat us as our sins deserve” (Psalm 103:10).

We all say or do things that misrepresent God’s love and righteousness, and occasionally let our failure speak louder than His truth. But the psalmist encourages us to “Praise the Lord” as we recall the many blessings of being His people (vv. 1–2). God is merciful: He is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (v. 8). He does not “repay us according to our iniquities” (v. 10) because His love is so much greater than our mistakes (vv. 11–12).

We suffer the fallout of living in a broken world and sometimes reap the consequences of our own sin. But as we remain close and responsive to God, His redemptive love and grace infuse His goodness, mercy and truth to our souls, shaping our response to difficulties.

By: Anne Le Tissier

Reflect & Pray

Which truths in Psalm 103 most reassures you? How might God use your difficult situation to nurture your Christ-like character or inspire others with your faith?

Loving God, thank You for Your forgiveness when I confess my sins, and Your peace and reassurance as I walk with You through difficult days

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