Someone said – Spare the Rod, spoil the child.
Ask children about their parents’ discipline and most will say not needed, but Parents know when children becomes adults, they will walk in them.
Today’s Psalm talks about his righteous people suffering. In the beginning of the chapter we see that the psalmist is troubled with all the injustice and suffering around HIS people.
He cries out to the LORD and asks God to take vengeance against the unjust people.
The righteous are no strangers to suffering. But for the righteous all things are working for their good. Rom 8:28
1)God develops our character & faith.
-Job states this, when he is going thru trials; When I am tested, I shall come out as Gold.
-Gold also must go through refining fire, in order transcend into its purest and priciest form.
-Stones must go through lot of pressure, to come out as diamonds.
-Grapes must go through lot of stomping, to get the best vine out.
2) Gods goodness should not be taken for granted and hence the discipline.
God Disciplines his children, so we may not face adverse circumstances and may have a reverential fear.
v13: So that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity.
3) God is on our side.
We slip on rocky roads not on plain ones. Our God from time to time, does not take away the rocky road, but faithfully protects and guides from slipping on rocky roads. v18
What should we do then?
4) But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. v22
Make him our refuge, fortress. Hold, Cling to him.
Let us hold on to him my dear brethren.
Song: I will sing – Don Moen