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Psalm 79:1-7  
A psalm of Asaph. 

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us. How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland. 

Today’s psalm is a plea for mercy. Jerusalem had been devastated, the temple defiled. Many residents of the city had been killed. The surrounding nations now looked at Jerusalem with scorn. In fact, Asaph says, “We are objects of contempt to our neighbors.” 

The consequences of sin are harsh. No one is impressed by the results when we leave God and go our own direction. The price is heavy. Israel was fond of serving Baal and his female counterpart, Asherah. They rejected God despite His warnings. Does God forgive? Yes! Are there still consequences of forgiven sin? Yes.

Maybe the walls of your life have been broken down. Maybe the devastation is self-inflicted. You are experiencing the consequences. It’s time to plead for God’s mercy. It’s time to confess your sins before Him. It’s time to let Him restore and rebuild. Don’t give up on God. He has not given up on you.

Father, please hear my prayer. I know my sin and I take full responsibility. You are right in every painful consequence. I now ask for Your forgiveness. Let me return to the joy I once knew with You. Restore our fellowship and rebuild my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.