Joyful for Being Disciplined

Most of us don't like being corrected when we make a mistake. We really don't like it when we are disciplined for doing the wrong thing or for doing the right thing in the wrong way. Often, the discipline includes some type of punishment which is painful in some way. Also, discipline includes being taught the right things and the right way to do things. If we really want to get the most out of life, we need to have the right attitude toward being disciplined. 

That is especially true when we are disciplined by God. If we reject His discipline, or if  we resent His input into our life, we will suffer much. However, the opposite is also true. (Psalm 94:12) "Joyful are those You discipline, Lord, those You teach with Your instructions." God's discipline makes us into joyful people if we heed His discipline and obey His instructions. Let's allow this to sink in for a few minutes today.

God is our Loving Father. This is true for everyone, but it is especially true for those who know Christ as Lord and Savior. He always disciplines us in love. He punishes us to eliminate bad behavior and wrong beliefs when that is necessary. In all that He does He is teaching us His instructions. He made each of us unique, and He knows just what we need to know and do to have a joyful life. Therefore, we need to gladly submit to God's discipline.

If we do not accept God's discipline, we will not have the discipline we need in our lives to do the right things in the right way. If we are constantly sinning and going the wrong way in our lives, we will be very unhappy. We will not have joy, but stress. However, if we allow the Spirit to develop self-control in us through the discipline of God, we will have the fruit of the Spirit of which joy is a major part. Therefore, don't get mad when God comes to correct you and teach you. Receive Him and all He does, so you can be joyful in your life.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 95-97.