Devotions: The Flip Side of Discipline

For the Lord will not reject forever,

For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion
According to His abundant lovingkindness.

Lamentations 3:32 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The fact that we suffer the consequences of our sin and the discipline of God is a very striking reality. It is not reasonable to think that we could disobey God and get away with it. That idea utterly disregards God’s Word and character. But we can take heart because that is not the end. God will not always be scolding and disciplining. He will not be angry or (seem like) He has turned away from us forever. He will have compassion. He has promised to. And not only that, but His compassion is in proportion to His lovingkindness which is limitless. God is just, but He is also love. This will end and we will enter into His grace once again. It is also important for us to know that He does not willingly afflict us. He may do or allow it intentionally, but not because He desires to hurt us. As a father disciplines his child, so God disciplines us, not wanting to harm but wanting to teach and instruct in righteousness. God is also holy, and He cannot tolerate sin without violating His character. He cannot make us like Him and yet allow us to remain sinful. We have to take them both in accord and trust God’s goodness. If you find yourself under the hand of God take heart, this is not the end. It will get better, and He still loves you!