Read: Psalm 106–107

Today’s passage: Psalm 106:39–41 (ESV)

“Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them.”

Israel had once again wandered from God. Instead of walking in His ways, they chose what pleased them in the moment. They gave their hearts to idols, adopted the sinful practices of the surrounding nations, and forgot the God who had saved them. Psalm 106 uses strong language to describe their behavior. It uses words like “defiled,” “unclean,” and “played the whore” to make clear just how serious their rebellion was. This wasn’t just a moment of weakness; it was full-blown spiritual adultery.

Their actions reflected the “works of the flesh” described in Galatians 5:19–21, such as impurity, idolatry, and fits of anger. These aren’t just harmless mistakes—they go against the character and holiness of God, who calls us to live differently. And God, who is patient and merciful, eventually allowed them to face the consequences. The text says “He gave them into the hand of the nations”—the very people whose lifestyles they had chosen to imitate ended up ruling over them.

That is the tragedy of sin: what we think will give us freedom or pleasure ends up enslaving us. As 1 Timothy 4:1 warns, some will turn from the faith to follow deceitful desires. When that happens, God may let us choose our path—not to harm, but to discipline (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28). As Hebrews 12:10 reminds us, God disciplines us “for our good, that we may share his holiness.”

This is hard to hear. We don’t like the idea of God being angry. But love that never disciplines isn’t real love. God’s correction is meant to wake us up and lead us back to Him. Painful seasons often spark true repentance.

If you’re facing hardship today, it may not be punishment—but it might be a wake-up call. Have you wandered from God’s path? Have you chosen compromise over conviction? Don’t waste the warning. Let it draw you back to the God who never stopped loving you. Is there any area of your life where you’re excusing sin or ignoring conviction? Don’t wait until the consequences pile up. Come back to the Lord while the door is still open.

J. Arnette

CHCOC