Do you like to be told you’re wrong? I’m a little nervous because twice in the last 24 hours the theme of discipline has shown up in my Bible reading. Here’s what I found just now in the third chapter of Proverbs.
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV).
Reprove means to scold or correct, usually gently or in a kind way.
Instead of shying away because of the unpleasant aspect of discipline, I need to look closely at the relationship these verses describe. The Lord is my Father who reproves me because he’s delighted with me. He cares enough to help me learn his ways. He’s thoroughly engaged. And because he is God, nothing distracts or worries him.
I’m going to stick this verse from the New Testament here to help us remember: “Endure hardship as discipline” (Hebrews 12:7 NIV). If things are hard, put them in the discipline category.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV).
I haven’t seen a poll to prove it, but I think we all have serious hardships in our lives at some point or other, things we may not feel free to even talk about. How sweet to count them as discipline from our loving Father whom we can choose to trust whether we understand or not, because when we acknowledge him in all our ways, he will straighten out our paths.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 