“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that god is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.” (vv. 1-2, NLT)
God Forgives the Repentant
“God says,’Rebuild the road! clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.’ The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One says,’I live in the high and holy place with those who spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.
For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always be angry. I was angry, so I punished these greedy people. I withdrew from them, but they kept going their own stubborn way. I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead then. I will comfort those who mourn, bring words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both hear and far,’ says the Lord, who heals them.
‘But those who still reject Me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt. There is no peace for the wicked,’ says my God.” (14-21, NLT)