“You have shortened the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. How long, O Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?” (Psalm 89:45-46)

At times it feels as though the Lord is severely punishing you. It is not punishment. Chastening is not punishment. The Lord loves you and His rod and staff form you into the image of Christ. Do not listen to those who say, “What have you done.” That is wickedness. Instead, ask the Lord, “What are You doing?” The Lord loves you more than you are able to fathom.

Lord, help me to understand that the breadth and depth of Your love is so great that nothing in all of creation is able to separate me from You. Guide me through every circumstance to know that in You is the hope and glory of all ages. In You alone do I have my being. Lead me in every circumstance to know that in You alone will I find life, liberty, and all that is needed.

Lord Jesus, You were not just chastened, but suffered the severe punishment of bearing all of our sin on Your body. You did this that we might be forever freed from sin’s recompense. Lead me in the way You know I need to go that in all things I would praise and honor the Father, returning the great love You have lavished on me. Amen.

“There they were in great fear where no fear had been; for God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; you put them to shame, because God had rejected them. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!  When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.” (Psalm 53:5-6)

Salvation does come from the One who is the salvation of God.  He Himself has come that all who hope in the promise of the Lord would know His love and mercy.  Come then, you who wonder, come all who ponder and know the goodness of the Lord.  In the midst of adversity He comes offering mercy and grace to those who turn to Him.  Fear is displaced by the assurance He gives to those who come to Him.

Lord, You say the wisdom begins with fear.  Yet it does not remain there.  This is the beginning place.  Lead me O Lord by Your wisdom to come to the place where I see that You are the One who has been calling me to You from the beginning.  Lead me into seeing the light shining in the darkness.  You have restore us, even though we are not yet restored.  You have saved us even though it is not yet.

Lord Jesus, You have come to give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and to release the captives from their bondage.  Guide me in the wisdom You offer that I would come into the eternal presence of the Father and know the goodness that has always been present.  Help me through all the difficulties that arise, that I may live in the grace You have given me from the cross.  Amen.