PSALM 32:8

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

TO PONDER

One of my biggest struggles as a parent, especially of teenagers, is finding the right balance between discipline and mercy/forgiveness.

I think most of us get the tension, even those of us who have only ever been on the receiving end of our parents disciplinary efforts recognise that when administered rightly, the discipline we receive from our parents is ultimately an expression of love. When used correctly (and I concede that it is often misused) parental discipline should be instructive, not simply punitive. It's purpose is to instruct and discourage future 'bad' or 'dangerous' behaviour. Most parents don't like to discipline their children, but we also know that to let certain behaviours go unchecked is not the loving or responsible thing to do in the long run.

I think we can often forget that when we are in the midst of the 'consequences' of our behaviour. Jonah ended up in the belly of a big fish because he decided to do things his way instead of God's way. It's easy to think that the storm, being thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish was God's 'punishment' for Jonah's rebelious behaviour but I don't think that's it. I think what Jonah experienced was God's intervening discipline, God's way of calling Jonah back from the even bigger and more significant consequences of a life lived turned away and running from God.

Now, I'm not saying that every challenging or difficult circumstance is a corrective measure sent by God. However, it might do us well some times to reflect on what caused the troubles we are in and see how God might be at work drawing us closer too himself as we process and go through those things. Because whatever you might be facing, one thing is for sure, God loves you too much to just let you quietly walk away from Himself. He will keep loving you, even if you stop loving him.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know at times I can be just like a child who gets upset when their parents enforce 'consequences' as discipline. I know there are times when sometimes the challenges I face are the result of my own actions. I thank you that even when I turn my back on you, you do not give up on me. Please help me to see more clearly when you are calling me back to your self through my circumstances. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle