Many times God delivered Israel, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, Lord our God! - Psalm 106:43-47

Dear heavenly Father,

Too often I have viewed your discipline as punishment for my sins. I’d have thought that you were expressing harsh rejection and dissatisfaction. But I know now that your harsh punishment for me was exhausted at the cross of your Son. So, when I hit a hard time, sometimes as a consequence of my sin and sometimes as a training ground under your love, I see it as acceptance and love not rejection and irritation. I would not have this insight without your word. Thank you for showing me today that you had the very same relationship with Israel. Because of your eternal covenant of love for her, you kept rescuing and disciplining. Help me find security in the discipline I experience from your hand, because in Christ, everything is good.

AMEN

Love is not unbroken approval of our actions but unbroken acceptance of our whole being.

Additional Reading: Hebrews 12