The Hound of Heaven

Always, ever, anew, everyday His unlimited kindness and unbounded mercy enfold me. His grace, His generosity, His goodwill, His great good cheer come to me from His own person. Despite my blemishes, my unusual behavior, His intentions toward me are always for my benefit.

Steadily, but surely, I have come to realize that every interaction, every command, every principle he has established is for my ultimate good. His are not repressive rules or regulations to tie me down into drudgery. They are, instead, the parameters ordained to deliver me from self-destruction and launch me into a life of wholesome harmony with Him.

In all this my Father has been so exceedingly patient and persevering. Even when I was still a wayward young man, far removed from His hands, He pursued me in loving concern down the tangled paths of my escapades. He did not give up on me; he did not write me off. He did not despise, reject or abandon me. Instead, He followed me faithfully out into the deep darkness and despair of my lonely wanderings.

Only Christ, my friend, could possibly care enough to draw me to Himself, to bring me back gently to my Father, to patiently lay down His life for me that I might come to know Him.

God’s ways are not our ways. We are so selfish. He is so self-giving, so self-sharing! We are so short-tempered. He is so patient, so persevering! We are so hard and critical. He is so merciful and kind!

No wonder I have come to love Him so deeply!