Attention!

There are very few pictures of “attention” that can rival a US Marine standing tall after hearing that word. As soon as that “word” is shouted by the appropriate person, heels come together, muscles tighten and faces freeze as though they were carved in granite. Persons who have served in the military know the significance of that word: that external rigidity that is so visible to the onlooker represents an internal attitude of concentration that is waiting for a command to be obeyed and followed with no hesitation.

Throughout His Word, God uses many different ways to get the “attention” of His children. There are times when He speaks directly to a person. There are times when He speaks through a person. But when God wants the attention of His children, He has many options.

We read in Job that one of His options to get our attention is through suffering: “For He wounds, but He also binds up; He injures, but His hand also heals.”

Proverbs 1:2 has a word that can be translated instruction, discipline, training and chastened. But, in this instance, there is no doubt that it means “to teach by discipline” or “punishment.”

We often hear stories about people who “have to hit bottom” before they are willing to do something about the problem that is destroying them. God uses suffering to get our attention by “raising the bottom” because He loves us.

“...the Lord disciplines those He loves.” God uses discipline to get our “attention” when we abandon Him.

Prayer: Lord, we know You love us. Do whatever is necessary to keep us in Your will - even if we must suffer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 1:2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;