Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
The cry expresses the anguished fear felt by David and by God's people generally that the Lord has cast them off and abandoned them and will show favor and mercy no more. It rises in sorrow over failing to follow the Lord's counsel. It rises when attention is fixed on life's dangers and on sins, and when trials make it appear that God has turned away.
That fearful question does not mean that God has failed or abandoned those who trust Him. The despairing view that His justice and severity amount to abandonment is exaggerated, and it comes from human weakness and ignorance and from physical infirmity. Prayer and clearer knowledge of God's character correct this view. Faith looking to Jesus sees that God is merciful and full of compassion and loving-kindness and truth. Because Jesus represents people in heaven and mediates for them, God's promises remain sure, for He does not break His oath or falsify His word. Those who rest in the Saviour in this assurance can have peace and joy.
The cry expresses the anguished fear felt by David and by God's people generally that the Lord has cast them off and abandoned them and will show favor and mercy no more. It rises in sorrow over failing to follow the Lord's counsel. It rises when attention is fixed on life's dangers and on sins, and when trials make it appear that God has turned away.
That fearful question does not mean that God has failed or abandoned those who trust Him. The despairing view that His justice and severity amount to abandonment is exaggerated, and it comes from human weakness and ignorance and from physical infirmity. Prayer and clearer knowledge of God's character correct this view. Faith looking to Jesus sees that God is merciful and full of compassion and loving-kindness and truth. Because Jesus represents people in heaven and mediates for them, God's promises remain sure, for He does not break His oath or falsify His word. Those who rest in the Saviour in this assurance can have peace and joy.