“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”Psalm 30:11
There’s a Rhode Island judge who’s become pretty famous, but not for his harsh sentences, but rather for his mercy. Judge Frank Caprio is the Chief Municipal Judge in Providence, Rhode Island. Someone took note of Judge Caprio’s bent toward mercy and decided to create a You Tube channel and Facebook page. His philosophy, as seen from the bench, differs from the typical “tough on crime” approach and instead leans heavy on mercy. Not only do defendants often leave his court room with a reduced sentence or dismissed case, but they also leave with a word of encouragement and inspiration.
In 1 Chronicles 21, David was faced with his choice of punishments. David said in 1 Chronicles 21:13. “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.” David knew he had rather be “Caught in Providence” than any other place.
Webster’s Dictionary defines “providence” as divine guidance or care. Religion and tradition have often given us the impression that God is an angry old man with a long gray beard and that He most always has a scouring expression as He looks down on humanity from His throne on High. But the truth is that’s not Him at all and no judge here on earth will ever be able to “out mercy” our loving Heavenly Father.
Today, if you find yourself in a place where your violations have been small or great, then call out to and throw yourself upon the even greater love, mercy and grace of your Father in Heaven. You’ll discover, just as David, that being “caught in His Providence” is the beast place on earth you could ever be.