“Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions. You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.” (Psalm 94:12-13)
As a loving Father, God wants us to experience all the benefits He has prepared for us and to have joy. The challenge is that this requires discipline. Even if we recognize there is much we need to learn, we can easily become impatient. We still can want instant results and immediate solutions.
God knows that His preparation is important. We may focus on the moment, but He has eternal purposes. He knows the future and wants us ready for what lies ahead. But the reality is that God’s training can take time. It may take years to receive all the correction and discipline we need to be ready for the future.
We have choices about how to respond. He desires that we cooperate with Him. But we may resist or think His discipline is not necessary. Or we simply may not want to change.
The Bible reminds us that God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows we will be happy if we receive His discipline.
Think about your life. Is God identifying any weaknesses that need attention? Any habits that need correction? Does it feel like He is working on you?
Seek to be sensitive to His Spirit. Don’t resist but seek to cooperate. Remember, He disciplines you for your benefit, to help you develop the gifts He has given you, to prepare you for the future, to give you even greater happiness.
Prayer
Father, thank You for discipling and guiding me. Teach me from Your Word. Thank You for giving me joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
