February 9, 2026
Recognizing God’s Love in Our Temper Tantrums
KIA STEPHENS
Lee en español
“‘because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Hebrews 12:6-7 (NIV)
Several months ago, I had a temper tantrum with God during my morning commute. It wasn’t pretty. Picture a middle-aged woman yelling, crying, and complaining in her car by herself.
My rant was the by-product of a hard situation I was experiencing. It felt unfair and impossible to resolve. Like most people in hardship, I didn’t want to go through it. So I decided to let God know.
I literally yelled, “I am so frustrated with You!” As if that was going to make a difference. It didn’t.
What I failed to realize in the midst of my frenzy is that hardship is often a vehicle God uses to discipline those He loves, or a way He refines and strengthens our faith. As Hebrews 12:6-7 says, “‘The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
In the Greek, the words for “discipline” and “hardship” in these verses come from paideia, which can also mean “training.” God not only comforts us and redeems our hardships (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), but He also instructs and trains us.
Trials like the loss of a job, a challenging parenting season, caring for aging parents, or even betrayal are all types of hardships God may allow in our lives, but in those hardships, He is near. He tests our faith, grows our character, and teaches us valuable lessons. He does this not to be mean but to be loving.
Yet as we endure hardship, it doesn’t feel like love. The temptation is to feel abandoned, hurt, and unloved. But today‘s key verses remind us hardship can ultimately strengthen our faith in a way that confirms God’s lavish and abundant love for us.
It is not always ease that displays the love of God — sometimes it’s the overwhelming, uncomfortable, and difficult things God allows us to go through. These are all places where His love meets us. He is committed to making sure we grow in Christlike character, and He cultivates us even through discipline and hardship.
This requires that we reframe our understanding of God’s love. His love is not limited to what we perceive to be good and pleasant but is also apparent in what we see as hardship. He loves us in the midst of our trials and in spite of our tantrums. This is His encouragement to me and you.
Heavenly Father, help me to remember that even when I experience hardships in life, You are demonstrating Your love toward me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we believe God’s Word isn’t just something to know — it’s something to live out. But in a world filled with conflicting messages and overwhelming pressures, many women don’t know where to turn for guidance they can trust. That’s why Therapy & Theology is such an important part of all God is doing: It helps women apply biblical Truth to real circumstances in real time. And right now, the need is growing. More women than ever are searching for steady, Scripture-rooted wisdom to help them navigate anxiety, heartbreak, confusion, and everyday decisions. That’s why your support matters now. When you give, you help ensure women everywhere can access teaching that brings clarity, hope, and direction. Your gift today paves the way for women not only to know God’s Word — but to live it out boldly no matter what they’re walking through. Thank you for helping make more ministry — just like Encouragement for Today Devotions and Therapy & Theology — possible.
ENGAGE
Join Kia on her YouTube channel as she shares more on the topic of “Recognizing God’s Love in Our Temper Tantrums.” You can also connect with Kia on Instagram and learn more about her book, Overcoming Father Wounds, on her website.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (NIV).
How do you see the love of God in the hardships you have experienced?
How might God be using discipline to mature you in Christlike character? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Kia Stephens. All rights reserved.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/MangoStar_Studio
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
