A few years ago, I made a mistake. It was a big mistake that offended a couple of people. Making it right was not possible. I admitted my guilt and asked those I offended for forgiveness. They expressed surprise when I asked but were unwilling (or not ready) to grant forgiveness.
That is why every time I read Psalm 86, my heart is comforted. My comfort is contained in two words.
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.” [Psalm 86:5 HCSB]
The first comfort is found in that word “ready.” Our LORD is ready to forgive. That word is “callach” and it means exactly how it is translated here, “ready to forgive.”
When I come to Him sincerely in repentance, there is no delay, no doubts, no refusal. My God is good, and He is ready to forgive.
The second comforting word is “abundant.” That word is “rab” and it means much, many, and great. The mercy God gives is not stingy, or limited, or miserly. It is abundant “to all those who call upon” Him.
I am still waiting for those people I offended to grant their forgiveness. But I had forgiveness and abundant mercy the moment I called upon God and asked His forgiveness.
Thank you, LORD, for Your readiness to forgive! Amen.
