When God chastens us

After God's chastening is over,

What then for one is left?

Many things, worth more than gold.

And crowning them all must be

The dawning, "He did what He did

Out of love for me."

Removing those things that

Stand between us and Him

Can leave one feeling punished, bereft;

But when process divine has run its course,

Is perfected, and at last is through,

What thoughts of praise and awe there are.

And we may even wonder,

Is this the way angels feel about You?



                           "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord;
                                     neither be weary of his correction:
                            For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth;
                                          even as a father the son
                                          in whom he delighteth."

                                            (Proverbs 3:11, 12)