God calls us to go beyond forgiveness to real friendship with him. We usually live as we should only if we have to, out of self-interest, because there are consequences that keep us on the path. That is to heed God like a mule, controlled only by bit and bridle (verse 9). Instead we should obey because we want to, out of love for him, who counsels us personally through the Word and prayer (verse 8). Sometimes God allows a difficult season of “mighty waters” to be a kind of bit and bridle that pulls us back to him and shows us we need his friendship and love above all else. Be glad that he
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