It Is Never Too Late to Ask for Mercy

Psalm 79 is a description of the desolation of Israel, God’s chosen people and nation. God had warned His people that if they continued to turn their backs to Him, they would fall under judgment and that is exactly what happened. This is described in graphic detail in this psalm: “O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. 2  The dead bodies of Your servants They have given as food for the birds of the heavens,  The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. 3  Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, And there was no one to bury them. 4  We have become a reproach to our neighbors, A scorn and derision to those who are around us.” It can’t get much worse than this. Yet, the psalmist asks for God’s mercy. The writer begs God to deliver Israel so God’s name will be glorified. Verses 8-9 say this: “Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, For we have been brought very low. 9  Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name’s sake!”

It is never too late to ask for mercy. It is never too late to petition God for His grace and forgiveness. As in Israel’s case, not all the consequences were taken away, so the same is likely true for us; but God does long to forgive and restore. As long as you have breath to ask, it’s never too late.