The Pattern of Spiritual Declension

In an otherwise dark Psalm which details the rebellion of God's people against his law, statutes, and covenant, verses 34 through 42 are an island of hope. These verses reveal the pattern of spiritual decline which is true of all of God's chosen: In the midst of their sinful rebellion, God's people remember God and return to him, God remembers them and turns away his wrath, and God's people turn back from God and do not remember him. The hope comes when the Psalmist reveals that God is not surprised by this pattern of behavior and gives grace upon grace in response.