Repeating Commands to a Toddler

“Nooo, don’t go there”, “Don’t touch…mummy said, don’t touch!”, “Don’t throw”, “come back here please”, “hold mummy’s hand”…..

These are common phrases I find myself repeating countless times a day to my charming, energetic toddler. While writing this post, she was chattering away in baby language. She also played with a standing fan I have told her not to touch several times. And splat! she tripped over the standing fan’s electric cord. * sigh* I put my writing on hold to repeat myself sternly as she flashed her teeth in my direction.

My toddler reminds me of my relationship with God and the Israelites’ disobedience.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites disobeyed God over and over again. Just like my toddler disobeys me. Honestly, I can relate with the Israelites because I disobey God over and over again. God repeats his commandments to me through His Word, through messages from the pulpit or those streamed online, through my husband, parent, sister friends, etc. Often times, the Holy Spirit convict me or nudge my spirit when I say an unkind word, react harshly, nurse bitterness, challenge my husband and a myriad of other things I read over and over in the Bible not to do.

Do not let the sun go down on your anger, do not be anxious, do not fear, etc.

God’s commandments are truly not grievous, they prevent us from hurting ourselves and others. God repeats or reminds me of his commandments because he loves me. He is always after my heart and I am after his heart.

I will keep growing in faith. I welcome God’s correction with all my heart as I learn to bring myself to a place of obedience to God’s commandments.