Going The Distance Without God

Tennessee Ernie Ford used to insert quotations between his songs on at least one of his gospel albums. One I remembered, and have often quoted, is, "If God seems far away, who do you think moved?" The premise is that God, being ever faithful, immovable, is always near us, and that if we don't feel him, then we have moved away, presumably by our lack of faith and obedience. It made a lot of sense to me. It doesn't any more.

The lack of closeness is real enough, but I truly believe that it is God who has moved away from us. Why? Because of his discipline. He will never completely abandon us, but will leave us nonetheless for as long as it takes for us to realize our need for him. As parents we have difficulty being around bad behavior. We're particularly concerned when the bad behavior is in our own children.

When children misbehave there are several ways in which parents address the problem. One is not "sparing the rod." Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares the rod hates his son ... " The idea is that a truly caring parent will use harsh means (paddle, hickory switch, etc.) to "break the will, but not break the spirit" of an unruly child. Another method, advocated by child psychologists, is to calmly explain the situation to the child, sort of putting the child on an adult level, in which informative conversation will bring understanding, thus rendering good behavior. Many parents also use "time out" as a means for discipline. The child is placed alone (i.e., standing in the corner), with no comforts (TV, books, music, video) in order to consider his or her bad behavior until they realize the error of their ways.

It seems that God uses some of all three. Bad things happen to us (health, circumstances) as discipline, or so that others may see how we handle adversity. Both bring glory to God. In Hebrews 12:11 we read, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful." Pain sensors are placed in our bodies to alert us to areas that are in distress. Discipline is God's way of saying, "I haven't forgotten you. I care enough about you to punish you." We don't always know the reason for the punishment, but we know the punisher. He is never unfair, always faithful and full of compassion and love.

God also uses the written word (portions of the Bible --- or other writings), the spoken word (family, friend or foe) or the still, small voice to discuss things with us. Sometimes we see it as a lecture, when he really wants it to be a dialogue. He wants us to talk through it and begin to see what he desires for us.

While the discipline and discussions are ongoing, it is the distance (time out) that has the greatest effect on us. When we don't feel his arms around us is when we feel the most miserable. The fact is that our Heavenly Father will not embrace unruly children. He will wipe away a tear, remind us that pain is but for a season --- even kiss us tenderly, briefly in the midst of turmoil --- but will again step away so that discipline may accomplish its goal.

The most severe form of discipline is when we have neither word nor strap --- only utter darkness. I'm not sure how much of that is experienced in our earthly existence. Here we have constant reminders of his presence. But I believe in a journey beyond where discipline must complete its work. Where the most stubborn of children must experience the weeping and gnashing of teeth, the intense desire for human contact (even from an enemy), the need for a breath of wind on the cheek, the hope of even a glimmer of light. That would be hell indeed.

These are heavy words, but we must be encouraged that God's great love brings forth the perfect, appropriate level and length of his discipline. There is an end to our perfecting process. A crown of glory awaits those who will give him glory. The beauty of it all is that he has given us a choice to be obedient sons and daughters, to bask in his love anytime that we so desire.

Oh, and by the way, I'm pretty sure that God doesn't count to ten. It never works.
STEVE