For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings
grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For
he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
—Lamentations 3:31–33
No grief equals the grief of being separated from God. After murdering his brother Abel, Cain is condemned and becomes “a restless wanderer on the earth” (Genesis 4:12). Cain cries out that this punishment of exile is more than he can bear: “I will be hidden from your presence” (Genesis 4:14).
Time and again, we hear the cry of despair of those who believe that they have lost their relationship with God forever. Peter breaks down in tears after denying the Lord the third time. Judas hangs himself after attempting to give back the thirty silver coins to the chief priests: “‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood’” (Matthew 27:4). Of the three, Peter, in his remorse, seeks the Lord’s forgiveness and is forgiven. While all men sin, God is gracious to those who genuinely seek him.
David prays, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. . . . Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight . . .” (Psalm 51:1, 4). This prayer should be our prayer every day. God hears our plea, and His compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23). Every morning we have a chance to renew our relationship with God. Every morning we should seize the moment.
—Eric Kampmann, Signposts