Be joyful when the Lord disciplines you!

We get a good reminder from the book of Job that the Lord, when he disciplines us for sinning, He does it in a way to correct us, but not permanently wound us.

Reading through Job 5 today I'm challenged by the Word to count it as joy when the Lord corrects me when I sin. When He does discipline us, He does it as a loving Father to correct us and get our attention. He will not permanently wound His children. Let's look at this beautiful passage found in Job 5:17-27:

"But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the chastening of the Almighty when you sin. For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal. He will rescue you again and again so that no evil can touch you. He will save you from death in time of famine, from the power of the sword in time of war. You will be safe from slander and will have no fear of destruction when it comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you. You will be at peace with the stones of the field, and its wild animals will be at peace with you. You will know that your home is kept safe. When you visit your pastures, nothing will be missing. Your children will be many; your descendants will be as plentiful as grass! You will live to a good old age. You will not be harvested until the proper time! "We have found from experience that all this is true. Listen to my counsel, and apply it to yourself."

How wonderful is this passage! When the Lord disciplines us for sinning, His very hands will heal us. How often we want to be "touched" by God -- never thought you'd get that "touch" as part of your spiritual discipline, eh? Though He will wound us when we need it, He mends our very wounds -- these are not fatal wounds. And I know no one better to provide perfect healing to our wounds than the One who made us.

Then consider the final outcome when we properly receive this Godly discipline and turn from our sin to the path He wants us to follow. You will be at peace and have safety in your home and land. You will be saved from slander, fear, terror, theft, and even premature death. Your children will be as plentiful as the grass and you will live to a ripe ole' age!

Be joyful when God firmly, but lovingly disciplines you for the sin in your life. It is for own good and His ultimate glory! Here's one more closing thought. What a model this passage provides for those of us who are parents. We should discipline our own children in this same manner. It's okay to make it hurt, but don't leave them permanently wounded! Bandage them up and provide healing with your own hands.

Take heed to this counsel and apply it to yourself!