The Caring and Keeping Mentor

Psalm 6:1   O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

We are each of us wild and unruly, individualistic, convinced we know the right way and the proper method to get done whatever is needed. We each need to be domesticated, like a colt or a puppy. We have a strong will, but we do not have the strength to defend ourselves against the enemies prowling for prey. Sheep have been taken care of for so many centuries that they can no longer survive without care. Like sheep, we *will* serve a master; unlike sheep, we can choose which master we serve.

The master we follow will discipline us; one with loving care to bring out the best in us and the other to subvert us and feed upon us. By yielding to God's discipline and loving rebuke, we find the right way to walk, the life-bringing way to behave. His love will not fail to correct us, but His correction will never be without love.

Psalm 6:2 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

Have you found yourself worn down with a worry, a concern, that you have carried too long? Your time and energy have gone into it, but has not fixed it or changed it? God gives us the free will to walk till we drop, or to hand it over to Him from the very beginning. He will never let anything do us true harm, but He will let us learn true lessons at whatever pace we choose. He is always by your side, ready to accept the burden when you truly understand that your strength has limits, your endurance is not infinite, your needs cannot be met out of your own resources; He is gracious and loving in His assistance, never shaming or condescending, always uplifting and encouraging.

Psalm 6:3 My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?

For the things that are to be endured, things that are not going to change, God provides grace, undeserved favor, unearned strength and acceptance. The condition of our heart, the joy of our salvation, the appreciation of the people around us is not dependent on our circumstances, but on understanding the truth of His Word and accepting the riches of His Spirit. Turn to Him daily, hourly, moment by moment; you will never find His supply diminished or your needs unmet. His loving care is always present in sufficient quantity to meet your need with enough remaining to share with others facing their own struggle.

Psalm 6:4 Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

The victory we seek is the mastery over ourselves. Overcoming our own tendencies, our own patterns of thought, our own viewpoints and learned behavior is the goal for which His discipline equips us and trains us. God's kingdom is planted in our hearts and it grows and develops in our souls. He is faithful to guide us as we battle our thoughts and desires, bringing into submission thoughts that try to separate us from His love by turning us from His truth, and conquering those behaviors that do not bring honor to the One who is deserving of all honor for what He so freely gave to us.

Psalm 6:9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.

Simply knowing that you are accepted in the Beloved and have a place in the family of God is without price or value. From being chased and hounded by every passing shadow to being loved and cared for, defended and supported by the One whose love knows no bounds brings peace to the mind and praise from our hearts. Give voice to that praise, and find others who can testify to the same thing so that together you can magnify and exalt the High and Lifted-Up Lord, the King of all Glory, the one who holds you in His hand and speaks love and comfort specific to your needs.

Ezekiel 37:14 You shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act.

Be assured that what God has spoken will come to pass. His word and His promise is true -- He cannot lie. Go to Him and receive His promises for good; do not be like those who perish by turning away from Him and receiving the promises of destruction for those who rebel and reject His love. God will be acknowledged -- let's accept His discipline, walk in His ways, show forth to others the love we receive from His hand, and give acceptance to those who believe.

Lord God, thank You that You are a just God as well as a loving God. Thank You that You not only watch over us to do us good and keep us from harm, but You promise to deal with unjust people and situations, in Your own time and in Your own way. We know that You take no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked, and that Your desire is to see all come to salvation and receive redemption. Thank You for Your training and growth in our hearts that prepare us and train us to accept those who have hurt us, if they show the fruit of repentance and accept that same outstretched hand of Love that was offered to us. Thank you for the strength and the love to rejoice with the angels over all that come to know Your salvation.

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