Scripture – “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.”
Psalms 94:12-13 NIV
Observation – If you are being disciplined by God it is because he loves you. He is teaching you how he wants you to live so that your life is better in the future. His correction today is meant to save you from trouble tomorrow. This is a gift from God. If he didn’t care about us he would let us continue with poor choices resulting in tragedy and despair. The wicked will be punished for their evil choices.
Application – When life isn’t going well and you feel disturbed in your spirit take some time and go away to a quiet place, just you and God and the Bible, and examine yourself. How did you arrive at this unpleasant place in your life. Sometimes pain comes from an outside source but it has been my experience that the vast majority of my problems are self inflicted. Either I did something I shouldn’t have done or didn’t do what God instructed me to do, both of these bring discipline from God and result in me appreciating God’s word more that I did before being disciplined. As scripture says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11. When I get disciplined I’m usually upset with myself because I think I should have known better, sometimes God allows me to experience deep regret. Other times the consequences involve difficult conversations, loss of money, missed opportunities or damaged relationships. All of these are painful but if I can look at them from God’s perspective I can understand and be grateful that he is disciplining me today to save me from future trouble.
Prayer – Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts that understand that you love us and your discipline is meant to give us relief from days of trouble.
What are you doing? Do it better 