When He Comes

With rebukes dost correct man Psalm 39:11

When I was seven years old a friend and I got hold of some matches and went into the woods. With curious minds we lit a fire on the wrong windy day and burnt down forty acres. I knew I was in trouble when I jumped on my bike and flew home only to find a police car at my door.

The penalty was given, my bike put away and I was grounded for a week. And then just as if it never happened my father never brought it up again.

That memory came walking back into my life this weekend as I was burning on my land. I was gently reminded how correction comes from a loved one. God's ways are to swiftly and firmly correct us. Not in a haunting harsh way that brings painful memories. For when we stand in front of a perfect Father it is our guilt that makes us want to change.

God's way of correction is designed to restore us. It brings us rest and is a sign of son ship. Rest assured it is not God's way to use harsh, cutting demoralizing words. It is Satan's way to fill us with hurtful memories, accusations and leave us with emptiness and anger.

Yes, you will learn to recognize the difference when you learn to listen to God and just like the loving Father that He is forget that it happened.

Father,

I long for Your correction
as I lay right at your feet.
I look for Your direction
to make me so complete.

And now that I'm forgiven
and You've forgotten what I've done,
we'll walk this road together
as I follow Your Son.

Brad McGill
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