Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:5-6, 11-12, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Trust is tested when “[our] own understanding” would have us lean in another direction. Acknowledging Him in all ways is difficult when we think that our way is better. Despite what we think, it never is, and it invariably takes us off the straight path He has laid out for.
So, then what. God cares for His children too much to allow them to remain on the wrong path forever. He will bring discipline and rebuke. It may not be pleasant. But as a loving parent reminds their children “it’s for your own good,” so it is with our Heavenly Father. It demonstrates His love and delight in us just as much as the good things He brings into our lives. Maybe even more so.
My Advice -How often we stray off the path, and how long we remain off the path is a measure of maturity. Both the frequency and length of time should diminish as we grow in the Lord. As a result, both our trust in Him and the acknowledgment that His ways were best after all also grow. So, whenever we encounter periods of His discipline and rebuke, let’s not be resentful. Because, most likely “it hurts Him a lot more than it hurts us.”
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:10–11, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 