“Before
I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.” Psalm
119.67
Often when we think about the Lord’s kindness, we think about salvation, the forgiveness of our sins. We also tend to think of God’s kindness in terms of his gracious provision. These are indeed examples of God’s kindness. But there is one form of divine kindness that we often forget—God is kind in leading us to repentance.
In this verse, the psalmist continues to extol the Lord’s goodness through his word by highlighting Scripture’s role in bringing him to repentance. He had gone astray. His straying had led him into affliction. But he returns to the ways of the Lord, to keeping God’s word.
Again, the theme of this stanza in the psalm is God’s goodness and kindness. It’s vital that we understand the link between our repentance and the kindness of the Lord. His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2.4). May we not neglect this truth. Let us praise the Lord for the great kindness he shows us in leading us to turn from sin to keep his word.
How have you experienced repentance—turning from sin to righteousness—in your life? In what ways do your prayers reflect your thankfulness for God’s kindness in bringing you to repentance? How often do your reflect on this kindness of the Lord?
Lord, your grace is amazing, indeed. We praise you for your kindness and goodness. May we ever remember that you have been patient and gracious, that you have shown us great kindness in leading us to repentance. May we turn from our sin and cling to your word, for the glory of your name. Amen.