Let Your Merciful Kindness Be My Comfort

Reflection

There is one thing that a grandparent hates to do and that is discipline their grandchildren. But sometimes discipline is necessary in order to keep them safe. One day one of my grandkids was getting into something that could hurt him, so I sharply corrected him. No spankings, no time outs, just a strong rebuke from Grandma was enough to send him into loud tears. And of course, my heart responded immediately. I picked him up, held him close, and comforted him. He had needed the correction, but he also needed the reassurance of my love. After a few minutes, his tears dried up, and he was back to having fun as if nothing had happened.

Moments like that make me look at my own walk with the Lord. I know there have been many times when I needed His discipline. I wandered, I ignored His gentle nudges, or I allowed myself to drift into what was not good for me. Yet in every single moment of correction, I have never lacked His comforting loving kindness. Yet what I have never been able to wrap my mind around is the depth of His comforting loving kindness. 

God corrects us because He loves us, but He never leaves us wounded or alone. His mercy meets us right after the correction, His kindness surrounds us, and His comfort lifts us. His loving kindness is not weak, temporary, or fragile. It is enduring, steady, and rooted in His covenant promises.

Psalm 119:76 reminds us that comfort is not something we have to earn. It is something God freely gives to His servants according to His Word. His loving kindness comforts our fears, steadies our hearts, and restores our peace. Even when life hurts, His mercy holds us. Even when we have failed, His compassion meets us. Even when discipline is necessary, His comfort follows close behind. His mercy does not run out, and it does not grow thin. It reaches us again and again.