The psalmist, David, seemed worried that God had had enough of him, that God’s cosmic patience meter was topped off. I had a boss once who had a patience meter. When she had extended all the grace she was willing to give, she would say she had “put that person in The Box.” No one wanted to be in The Box. It was her way of saying, “I’m done with you.”

Thankfully, this is not how God works, especially if we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ. His promise to stay with us is ironclad. No Box for us! Do we still need to ask for forgiveness? Yes. Does God still have ways we can grow? Absolutely. But banishment is not part of his plan.

In fact, the Bible is one long book about God’s second chances for people like you and me who mess up badly enough to deserve The Box. But instead of being banished, we are invited to come close.