Thoughts for Life: A Picture of Him

Saturday, September 1, 2012

A Picture of Him

"Picture (God) as a concerned Father, lovingly correcting His child in whom He delights"

   "One day my son uncapped an orange marker and drew a picture of his father. His toddler's rendering featured eyes, a nose, and a mouth, all inside of a circle on top of two long sticks (he informed me that those were the legs.)

   Although my little boy scored high marks for effort, his picture didn't quite capture the specifics that would have created a close likeness to my husband: blue eyes, a confident smile, and silver-flecked hair.

   As God's children, we sometimes create images of our heavenly Father that aren't accurate. We may view God as unloving when He corrects sinful patterns in our lives. And because discipline is painful (Heb. 12:11), we may assume that God's correction is a form of divine revenge or the result of His anger.

   In reality, it is proof of His love for us. The Bible says, "Whom the LORD loves He chastens" (v. 6). He disciplines us for our benefit, so that we "may be partakers of His holiness" (v. 10) and experience the peace that comes from right living (v.11).

   Today, if you are facing God's discipline, remember that He isn't peering down at you with an angry scowl or shaking a vengeful fist. Picture Him as a concerned Father, lovingly correcting His child in whom He delights. (Prov. 3:12). Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Lord, when I sin and You discipline me,

help me to see it's Your love in action. May Your loving

discipline mold and shape my character

so that I become more and more like You. Amen.

God's hand of discipline is a hand of love."

OUR DAILY BREAD

8/23/12

"When faith grows weak and doubts arise,

Recall God's love and tender care;

Remind yourself of all He's done

And of those times He answered prayer. --D. De Haan

Learn to doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs."