PSALMS 78:36-39 (NLT)
36 But they followed him only with their words; they lied to him with their tongues. 37 Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant. 38Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and didn't destroy them all. Many a time he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury! 39 For he remembered that they were merely mortal, gone in a moment like a breath of wind, never to return.

The people followed God, but their hearts were not into following Him as they should. They only spoke words that made it seem as though their intent was to follow God. Their actions gave them away as they did not follow God’s covenants. Yet God was merciful too them. He could have destroyed them at anytime, yet he chooses to forgive them of their sins knowing that they were weak in the flesh, corrupted by their evil nature. God knew their life on earth was short and so he was merciful and showed compassion towards the people and did not destroy the ones He had created.

When life stops, it’s gone in a moment like a breath of wind, never to return. I once visited with a friend from church a few days before he died from cancer. Several of us went to share a bible lesson with him one Sunday morning as we knew it might be the last opportunity to have one with him. When we first arrived his wife had just given him his medications to knock out the pain, but he found the strength to sit up and share God’s word with us and fellowship and pray. It was a sweet time as we understood the love and grace and mercy God had prepared for this dear man. He was ready to be with the Lord and had no fears about it. He knew his sins were forgiven and that Christ had died on the cross for Him. He knew God could have unleashed his fury on him as a sinner, but instead has chosen to give him grace and mercy. And now it so close to the time to meet his maker he had a peace that was indescribable. Pray God give us all the strength to be prepared when our day comes near. Pray for the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ to be abundant in our lives. Let our life be a testament to Him and let us serve Him while we are able. Praise Him with our lives in daily devotion to Him.