Psalms 31:10 “Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround him that hopes in the Lord.”

The scourges can come from the effects of sin in one’s life or from the chastisement of God. Both can have the same two results. Either the sinner will remain in the obstinacy of his rebellion or he will convert and return to the Lord. When he does turn back to God and puts his hope, not in himself but in God’s mercy and healing, his restoration and his love, the repentant will be surrounded with grace and new life. It is our choice to make, the sooner the better. Like the father of the prodigal son, God waits to restore us to the fullness of life in him. Thank you, Lord!