Gems of Wisdom From the Bibleনমুনা

Sometimes God disciplines us

Proverbs 3:5-6 and 9-10 told us that, if we fear the Lord and do as He says, He will make our path straight and will bless us abundantly. However, today’s text reminds us that believers sometimes go through hard times as well. And that’s not just because they live in a broken world. It is not because the Lord is unfaithful, or unable to make his promises come true. Sometimes difficulties are sent to us by God for our own good.

For sometimes the Lord disciplines his children, as a good father does. That’s not a pleasant experience, as the author of Hebrews 12:11 recognizes: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant”. However, he continues, “later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”. That’s also the experience of David: “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes”.

If you are facing difficulties, please don’t despair. Don’t turn away from the Lord. He might be teaching you valuable lessons. Keep seeking Him: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24).