Day 97 Still Turning Back..Why Do We Do This?

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Still Turning Back—Why Do We Do This?

by Torrie Slaughter

Some patterns are hard to break.

Not because we don’t know better…
but because we don’t always choose better.

Psalm 78 continues with a sobering truth in verse 34:
“When God killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly.”

They turned back—but only when things got hard.

And if we’re honest, we’ve all been there.

We pray more when pressure rises.
We seek God more when life feels uncertain.
We promise change when consequences show up.

But in verse 36, it reveals something deeper:
“They flattered him with their mouths… their hearts were not loyal to him.”

That’s the tension.

Outward response… inward misalignment.

And yet—this is where Jehovah Shalom shows up in a way we don’t expect.

Verse 38 says:
“Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.”

God saw their inconsistency… and still extended mercy.

Not because He ignores truth—
but because He understands our humanity.

Peace isn’t found in pretending we have it all together.
Peace is found in returning to God with a heart that is honest, not just reactive.

This Psalm reminds us:

God is not looking for temporary attention—
He’s inviting us into lasting alignment.

🙏🏽 Prayer

Lord, search my heart and reveal where I have been inconsistent in my walk with You. Help me not to only seek You in moments of pressure, but to remain rooted in You daily. Thank You for Your mercy that meets me even when I fall short. Teach me to walk in truth and in peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

🔎 Reflection

Do you find yourself seeking God more in crisis than in consistency?

✅ Action Step

Choose one intentional moment today (morning, midday, or evening) to spend time with God—before anything goes wrong.