God's Discipline is for Our Good
Discipline is a dirty word to many people. They don't want to exercise discipline in their lives, and they don't want to be disciplined by someone else. Many people believe that true happiness in life comes when we can do whatever we want, whenever we want, and however we want. That is a terrible lie of the devil. In fact, the opposite is actually the truth. Without discipline our lives will lack the joy and happiness we so desire. Discipline is how we learn to do the right things, and when we do the right things, we get the blessings of the Lord that we can't get any other way. God showed the Israelites this truth, as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. They had troubles, so they would learn to depend on the Lord. Moses told them how God did this and why. (Deuteronomy 8:5) Moses asked the people to think about it. Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord their God had disciplines them for their own good. That is worth us taking some time to think about it today, too.
We don't know what is good and right on our own. God gave us parents. Parents aren't perfect, but they have had experience with life, so they can discipline their children in the right way to do the right things. That is God's plan for all people, and it is His plan for us, as our Heavenly Father. He loves us, and He has all-knowledge and all-love. God gives us difficulties, so we learn our limitations, and we will trust Him more and more. When we fail to trust Him, He punishes us, so we will see our errors and weaknesses. Then, when our hearts are tender toward Him, He shows us how to overcome those errors and weaknesses in His wisdom and power. Then, He rewards us when we follow Him and do the right things. He blesses us, and He shows us more and more, so we become more joyful and fulfilled. He does all of this for our good, not for Himself. He knows if He doesn't discipline us, as His children, we will go the way of this world and be miserable. Think about it, and be thankful for God's loving discipline.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 9-11.