Checkbook of the Bank of Faith

HE will chide sometimes, or he would not be a wise father for such poor erring children as we are. His chiding is very painful to those who are true, because they feel how sadly they deserve it, and how wrong it is on their part to grieve him. We know what this chiding means, and we bow before the Lord, mourning that we should cause him to be angry with us.

But what a comfort we find in these lines! "Not always" will he chide. If we repent and turn to him with hearts broken for sin and broken from sin, he will smile upon us at once. It is no pleasure to him to turn a frowning face towards those whom he loves with all his heart: it is his joy that our joy should be full.

Come, let us seek his face. There is no reason for despair, nor even for despondency. Let us love a chiding God, and before long we shall sing: "Your anger is turned away, and you comfort me." Begone, you dark forebodings, you ravens of the soul! Come in, you humble hopes and grateful memories, you doves of the heart! He who pardoned us long ago as a judge, will again forgive us as a father, and we shall rejoice in his sweet, unchanging love.