Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

FRIEND IN POWER

A jury was being selected for a criminal trial. One juror stepped forward and the judge asked, "Do you know the defendant?" "Yes," was the answer. "Dismissed," said the judge with a wave of the hand. "If you are a friend of the defendant, you will be prejudiced in your judgment in this case."

David was faced with the choice of being punished for his sin by God or by man. He immediately chose God because David was well acquainted with God and knew His mercies were great. Men might punish so severely that life is lost, but David knew God was tenderness and forgiveness. To know God is to know His tender mercy and His desire to forgive and restore. That is why David wisely chose to put His fate in God's hands.

The songwriter sings, "Grace, Grace, God's Grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin." He, too, knew God well. It is wonderful to know God so well that we understand the tenderness and compassion of our forgiving Father. He might discipline us for our own good, but He will not destroy us. His mercy is everlasting, and we know there is no shadow of turning with God. David could confidently pray: According unto the multitude of your tender mercies blot out my transgressions. No wonder David preferred God's discipline to man's.