Psalm 94:12 – “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, o Lord, And teach out of Your law.”
The words Blessing and Instruction don’t seem to go together. When we think of a blessing we have feel-good thoughts in our minds. Because to be blessed by the Lord means to be protected, guarded, favored, and fortunate. Not taught. In fact, most of us resist to some extent, instructions. And to stretch it a little more: discipline.
The word Discipline immediately brings to mind: correction, punishment, restraint, exercise, training. Why would God, then, discipline us? Because God loves us. “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and he chastises every son He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Imagine how disorderly our homes would be without discipline. How rude our children would be if we as parents did not correct them. Likewise, our Father in Heaven disciplines us when we go astray. He cares for us and is constantly watching over us. And He wants to make sure we stay on the right path. He promises to instruct and teach us in the way we should go. (Psalm 32:8)
Our God does not give us pats on our backs when we do something that displeases Him. No. He makes sure that we catch His attention. He did it with Moses, He did it with Jonah, Peter, Paul. He will do it with you and me.
So rejoice when you are being disciplined by the Lord. It means that He cares and loves you. And his discipline promotes in you growth and more trust in Him.
