In Genesis, God looks at people and regrets creating us. Imagine being so bad God regrets you. Hard to imagine? But that’s all of us apart from His blood.
When the Lord saw that man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth, and that every scheme he thought of was nothing but evil all the time, the Lord regretted that He made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Genesis 6:5-6.
Wow. God wiped out everything—“Noah, however, found favor in the sight of the Lord” v.8. Let’s be like Noah.
After the flood and the rainbow, God knew things would not just magically improve. Perhaps He had gotten rid of the worst of the evil. But God knew judgment would come again. Why? God knows that “man’s inclination is evil from His youth” Genesis 8:21. This is confirmed through the 65 books that follow, isn’t it? Isaiah says “all we like sheep have gone astray” 53:6. Romans says “all have sinned and fallen short” 3:23.
We sin. God knows it. We are steeped in sin, soaked in it.
And we suffer because of it. Our own sin probably hurts each of us the most, but the sins of others can also be devastating: assault, robbery, murder, war—there are evils so dark they can change your life in an instant.
What hope is there when you face a new year with its new hurts? First, check out this encouraging verse I discovered today:
“I will now rise up, says the Lord, I will put the one who longs for it in a safe place” Psalm 12:5.
If you long for safety—if you beg God for safety and protection—He promises to provide it.
Second, while reflecting on the new year, consider Psalm 65:10: “You crown the year with your goodness.” Amen. Isn’t that what we want for the year ahead?
Dear God, thank you for your mercy! That you know we are steeped in sin, but you are patient and merciful and forgiving. Thank you that you understand, that You are “mindful that we are but dust.” ΑΩ
Household Words: 