It was in my teen years that I developed a rebellious heart. Reflecting, my behavior was nothing short of awful. On weekends I would come home drunk and argue with my parents. My parents must have been so hurt. It was not until I had children of my own that I understood how deeply that must have hurt them. I am sure they waited up many nights wondering if I would make it home safe. I think of parents today who are struggling with rebellious children. Instead of worrying they may be drinking too much beer, they worry that the next pill they take may be laced with fentanyl.
My mom and dad never rejected me during those rebellious years. They just kept on loving me the best they knew how. They attended all the basketball games I played in. I could hear them praying for me at night before I went to sleep. That both made me feel guilty and angry. Weird right.
Eventually, by God’s grace and with some professional help, , I sorted through the anger behind that rebellion. It all turned out good.
God is patient towards us when we rebel against him by doing our own thing. It must cause Him great pain when His children go their own way. When we ask for forgiveness, He is ready to restore our relationship. He may discipline us in the moment but never punish us with anger. Oh God, there is none like you!
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;” Daniel 9:9 NIV
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