Lord, I know without a doubt that You have that perfect love for me. It is more than a comfort , it is my peace and confidence. When I was a child,when I did something wrong, I was not just fearful, but was actually terrified of the punishment I might receive. Of course that was thinking as a child thinks. I thank You that I was never beaten mercilessly, locked in a scary basement, or any of the other horrible things some other children have experienced at the hands of their parents or caregivers.
There is a big difference in the words discipline and punishment. Discipline involves correction and training for the purpose of helping someone become better. The word "disciple" describes it best. The word punishment has a far stronger and far less loving meaning. It means a penalty inflicted for an offense, fault, etc., severe handling or treatment, like what Paul said in Romans, that the wages of sin is death.
When I trusted Your marvelous work for me, paying the wages I deserved with Your perfect sacrifice on my behalf, the fear of that punishment died too. I no longer fear death because I know there will be no eternal punishment. I also know that You lovingly discipline me to make me better. You do not "punish" your children (even if You have to use drastic discipline).
Lord, today I pray for those who live in fear. It is "natural" for us to fear some things. If I were confronted by a bear in my back yard, was in a car on a bridge that was collapsing, or we were being invaded by an evil military force, or caught in a tornado or earthquake, I would be afraid! However; You have said not to fear what can happen to the body, but what will happen to our eternal soul. I need not be afraid of what will happen to my eternal soul, because it will be with You in Heaven. Thank You, Lord for Your sacrifice!
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