²⁴ However, for those who changed their hearts and minds, God granted a way back, and he encouraged those
who were abandoning hope.

²⁵ Turn back to the Lord
and leave sin behind;
    offer prayers in his presence,
    and reduce your offense.
²⁶ Return to the Most High,
and turn from injustice,^[a]
    and hate what he detests.
²⁷ Who will praise the Most High
in the grave^[b]
    instead of the living
    and those who give thanks?
²⁸ From the dead thanksgiving has perished, since they are no longer alive;
    those who are alive and healthy
    will praise the Lord.
²⁹ How great is the Lord’s mercy!
    How quickly is he reconciled
    with those who turn back to him!

³ When I kept quiet, my bones wore out;
    I was groaning all day long—
    every day, every night!—
⁴ because your hand was heavy upon me.
    My energy was sapped as if in a summer drought. Selah
⁵ So I admitted my sin to you;
    I didn’t conceal my guilt.
    “I’ll confess my sins to the Lord, ” is what I said.
    Then you removed the guilt of my sin. Selah

⁶ That’s why all the faithful should pray to you during troubled times,^[b]
    so that a great flood of water won’t reach them.
⁷ You are my secret hideout!
    You protect me from trouble.
    You surround me with songs of rescue! Selah

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you
    about the direction you should go.
    I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you.