It's good to think more deeply about the mercies of God in times of crisis. To help guide us in this effort, we'll consider Paul David Tripp's collection of meditations from Psalm 27 called "A Shelter in the Time of Storm." You can get your own copy on Amazon here.

Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation.

Psalm 27:9

When we're really angry with someone it's common for us to turn away from them. We won't look at them and, more significantly, we won't let them see our face. To "turn your face away" is a sign of brokenness in a relationship; it's a kind of rejection.

God never, ever, turns his face away from his people - it's just the opposite, that his delight is (because of Christ) forever upon them. God is not moody or temperamental  like we are. He treats us as Christ deserves to be treated rather than as we deserve (or as we treat one another). 

That's a good thing to keep in mind both when we're dealing with the guilt of our own sin (God has forgiven it in Christ - who are we to refuse his forgiveness!) and when we're struggling to treat others well because they've hurt us.

Questions to Consider

The questions are Tripp's. I included my answers in case they're helpful to read.

1. Do you fear God's rejection? How does this fear tend to shape the way you live?

- No. My struggle is on the other side: presuming on his grace.

2. How would the way you approach life change if you lived with a picture of God's face of love in your heart day after day?

- I'd forgive more quickly and more cheerfully. The offenses against me are so comparatively small.