READ Psalm 78:38–43. 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. 39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. 40 How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the wasteland! 41 Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember his power—the day he redeemed them from the oppressor, 43 the day he displayed his signs in Egypt, his wonders in the region of Zoan.
THE PATIENCE OF GOD. The history recounted in this psalm shows how patient God is (verses 38–39). He is “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:15). He says, “I take no pleasure in the death of anyone. . . . Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:32, cf. Romans 2:4). It is only because he bears with us patiently, never fully giving anyone what they deserve when they deserve it, that anyone is saved (2 Peter 3:15). When we read that he “remember[s] that [we are] but flesh” (verse 39), we hear Jesus looking at his disciples, falling asleep in Gethsemane in his hour of greatest need and saying, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” In other words, “I know you meant well.” What a patient Savior!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the old meaning of patience is “long suffering,” and you indeed suffered infinitely rather than give me the punishment my sins deserved. You have been unspeakably patient with me. Let that truth make me patient with people around me, and with my circumstances, and with your every disposal of my life. Amen.