“I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” 2 Samuel 24:14

Driven by pride, David made a big mistake. He set out to count the people in Israel, presumably so that he could see how great his kingdom was. God sent Gad, a prophet, to rebuke the king. God determined to discipline David. Yes, God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11).

God gave David three choices: (1) Seven years of famine, (2) three months fleeing from his enemies, or (3) three days of a plague. David chose number three, resigning himself into the hands of God rather than to the hands of men. Why? Because David knew that even in discipline, God is merciful.

How do we handle the chastening of the Lord? It certainly is not pleasant, but it does “yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). Let us not, therefore, “despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when we are rebuked by Him.” It is proof of His love. (Hebrews 12:5-6).

Let us realize that we are safe and secure in His hands, even in the midst of His displeasure. He is merciful, even when wielding the rod of correction.