BEFORE YOU
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"This is a desperate situation! David replied to God. But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands." 1 Chronicles 21:13 NLT

David had made an arrogant mistake, and his countrymen were about to have to bear the consequences.

God was giving David three choices: three years of famine, three months of destruction by Israel's enemies or three days of severe plague at the hand of the angel of the Lord.

Let's sum it up to say none of the three were appealing. Good would not come from a single one of them. None of them were easy punishments.

But I'm like David in deciding that any punishment or discipline or learning I would be given, I certainly wanted from God's hands--from no one else.

You see, no one else loves me like God.

No one else knows the weaknesses I have.

No one else can show me mercy like my God.

No one else can discipline and comfort me as can my Lord.

I'll make mistakes against people. I'll screw up. I'll sin against them, and the Lord. I will need to be corrected, reproved and reformed--but let it be at the hand of my Father.

The One who loves me, cares for me, has a future and brilliant plans for me. The One who gave His Only Son for me!