Psalm 119:65-80
"Please discipline me, God. Please correct me!"
I don't know about you, but that's not a request that I put before God. I mean, yikes! Yet in Psalm 119:65 we see that correction, affliction, discipline (whatever you call it) is helpful and even as hard as it is, necessary. Look at verse 67; "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your Word." That's huge, isn't it?
How have you benefited from correction or discipline? And personal experiences you could share? (Please remember to use discernment!)
Tami W.
What impresses me about the psalmist is his ability to see that God's correction is for his own good, that God's kindness and mercy is shown through it, and that his response in the situation has the potential to give others hope.
Sometimes God's correction takes a number of years- as a person finally realizes the error and sees the correction for what it is. I was in a small group Bible study tonight and the topic being discussed was being "financially lost"- how we can make money our god in any number of ways in the decisions we make. I remember when, years ago, at the beginning of my university education, I attended a church where the message was about financial stewardship and how that going into debt was actually sin. Relying entirely on student loans for my education, I was offended and left the church. Ignoring this message, I went on, after university, to discover how wise those words actually were, as my husband and I worked and were unable to make ends meet and to pay this huge debt. Things were really difficult at times.... being in bit of a better place now, I can see how God desires us to depend on Him for our needs, and to steer clear of debts- a long, hard lesson to learn.
I appreciate what Sharalyn has just said regarding the acceptance of correction. In my case, I believe this comment is particularly relevant in that I had just been meditating over the last few days this Proverb:
"Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel - Proverbs 13:10"
There are many other Proverbs like that and they speak to the issue of allowing oneself to learn from The Lord's chastisement without becoming bitter. It is important for Believers to understand that Christian life is NOT without turmoil but life's problems are to be taken as lessons for growth. As Paul was thankful in good times and bad, I see the Grace of "bad times" more brightly the older I get. In a way, nothing is bad; everything is good!
I agree with Brian.
I need more correction.
I pray for the younger generation to see and understand the need.
Praise God for his word.