Tears of Grace
“Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy.” (Isaiah 4:5)
Verse five highlights God’s protection and presence of His glory among His people, symbolizing hope and renewal. With humble gratitude and tears, I concluded that God’s glory covers us, reminding us that His presence brings blessing and refinement.
But what happens when we feel like we’ve failed under that canopy? This week, I learned a hard but necessary lesson about God’s grace and my refining process as a parent.
The Story
No kidding, there I was, cleaning the kitchen like a good dad while mom was serving at church. Suddenly, a crash and the screams of my two-year-old erupted behind me. She had leaned too far forward in the learning tower that’s supposed to protect her, and she ate it—the ground, lip bleeding, tears streaming.
Instead of sitting down and coddling her, I became angry. I held her for a moment, but frustration won, and I raised my voice. Hulk mode activated—I smashed the learning tower into pieces right before my three-and-a-half-year-old and two-year-old.
Although smashing the learning tower felt great in the moment and seemed to satisfy my desire to protect her, it utterly failed to plant any seeds about how to respond with grace and love in a moment of stress. I failed—miserably—and I felt it immediately—thank you, Holy Spirit.
I eventually apologized—and had to do it a few more times before bed. It was a mentally exhausting day. What I didn’t realize at the time—but can articulate now—is that I was carrying guilt for messing up when God had blessed me so much with divine provision and opportunity over the past few months.
Reflection: God’s Canopy of Grace
As I reflected on the incident, God reminded me of the truth in Isaiah 4:5. His glory is a canopy over us—a covering of protection and presence, even when we falter. That canopy doesn’t mean we won’t have moments of failure. Instead, it means that His grace covers us, refining us through those moments. God is more interested in shaping our hearts than in us being perfect parents. My frustration that day revealed areas where He’s still working on me—teaching me to lean into His patience and grace.
Encouragement
God’s presence isn’t conditional on our perfection—it’s grounded in His grace. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve let God down, remember that those moments of struggle are opportunities for purification, not condemnation. His glory remains your canopy, offering protection and the strength to try again tomorrow.
Never Finished Challenge
Here are three truths from Isaiah 4:5 to encourage you when life feels overwhelming or “Hulkish”:
God’s Presence Brings Both Blessing and Refinement
Just as God’s glory protected and guided Israel in the wilderness, His presence remains with us, offering favor and provision. Yet, His canopy of protection often comes with a purification process—refining us to reflect His holiness.Frustration Doesn’t Disqualify You from God’s Grace
Even when we falter in frustration or fatigue, God’s presence doesn’t leave. Instead, He uses those moments to purify our hearts and grow our reliance on Him. His grace is sufficient, even when we feel weak (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Divine Blessing Doesn’t Mean the Absence of Refinement
Purification (sanctification/transformation) is not punishment; it’s a loving process where God aligns our hearts with His. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6).
Release Guilt Through Grace
You might feel like you’ve let God down, but remember that His love for you isn’t based on your performance. It’s based on Christ’s finished work. Guilt can be a helpful indicator of conviction, but it’s not meant to linger. Confess, release, and allow God’s grace to refresh you.
Rest in God’s Rhythm While Trusting His Work
Isaiah 4:5 reminds us that God’s glory is our shield and sustainer. When life feels overwhelming, His presence calls us to rest and renew in Him, trusting that He’s working all things for our good—even through our struggles.
So, when times are hulkish or just miserable, remember: His presence remains, frustration doesn’t disqualify from God’s grace, divine blessing doesn’t mean the absence of refinement, release guilt through grace, and rest and renew in Him!
What does today remind me about God?
Goodness… I sat here in tears, overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s goodness. I’m so thankful and awestruck that He would intimately sit with me, gently teaching and loving me through life’s ups and downs. He is a patient and loving God—always protecting, always offering grace, and never denying my desire to approach His throne.
I’m inspired to repent and draw closer to Him in moments like these. Thank you, Jesus.