5 Truths About God’s Discipline Will Help You Now
We want to believe that discipline will help by bringing about the change and improvement we want in our children. But…
It can be so very frustrating when we need to discipline them repeatedly for the same bad behavior. Right?!
And truthfully, it’s hard not to wonder at times if God gets frustrated with me and my sinful nature. Yes. I can relate to Paul saying, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19)
Although, I want to completely trust and obey God’s will I know I fail every day. I think, do, and say things I shouldn’t and I’m sure I neglect doing the things I should.
Solomon wrote a helpful word about the importance of learning the lesson of discipline…
Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,
Proverbs 15:32–33
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.
God wants us to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST Him and He wants us to live with wisdom in obedience for one very important reason … He wants what’s best for us.
Parents discipline their children because they want them to grow up to be successful and happy. God disciplines His children because He knows the best way for them to be successful and happy is for them to follow His commands and live out His plans and purposes.
Ignoring God’s discipline leads to repeatedly living the consequences of our foolish words and actions. Learning from discipline leads to wisdom.
And the truth about wisdom is…
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
Proverbs 3:18
happy are those who hold her tightly.
So, let’s take a quick look at 5 truths about God’s discipline…
- God’s discipline always comes from God’s love.
He wants peace, joy, happiness, contentment and so much more for His children. He disciplines us to teach us and help us learn the natural consequences of our sinful behavior.
“The Lord disciplines those He loves.” – Hebrews 12:6a - God gave us the Bible to teach us His will and train us in self-discipline.
Scripture is a training manual for life.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 - The purpose of God’s discipline is to make us more like Jesus.
Growing in faith and following Jesus is a lifelong process of training and discipline.
“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” – Ephesians 5:2 - God’s commands are boundaries to bless us and keep us safe.
Self-discipline is learning to avoid and resist temptation. The further we stay away from sin the less likely we are to face the consequences of our failures.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” – Ephesians 6:13 - God never abandons us to face discipline alone.
He invites us to come to Him with humble repentant hearts, to receive His forgiveness, and to get the strength we need to face the days ahead.
“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.” – Psalm 51:17
Let’s pray…
A Prayer that God’s Discipline Will Help Us Grow
Thank you so much for being our wonderful loving Father. You made us and want so much for us.
I am truly sorry for all the times I have failed to trust and obey Your will. I have foolishly listened to the ways of the world and acted selfishly. I have failed to love You and the people around me the way You desire. I have neglected to steward Your blessings with wisdom and care.
I admit Lord that I can be guilty of making excuses and blaming others for my sinful choices. I don’t want the discipline that follows my failures. But You love me and want so much more for me than this sinful world has to offer.
So, I will receive this discipline and accept that it will help me now and in the future. Thank You for loving me and walking through this with me. Thank You never turn Your back on me and I know nothing can separate me from Your love.
I will study Your Word, learn the boundaries of Your will, and cling to Your hope-filled promises. Please help me by the power of Your Spirit. Guide me. Strengthen me. Hold me. And help me remember that Your discipline is always for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Henry Blackaby wrote…
“God is interested in developing your character. At times He lets you proceed, but He will never let you go too far without discipline to bring you back. In your relationship with God, He may let you make a wrong decision. Then the Spirit of God causes you to recognize that it is not God’s will. He guides you back to the right path.”
God loves us too much to let us continue down a path that is leading us away from Him. When He sees us straying off, He will lovingly discipline us to direct us back to the path He knows is best.
Being disciplined is never easy and rarely appreciated but when we look back at where we were and recognize how far we’ve come … we will realize that God’s discipline is helpful and good. He is our perfect loving parent who guides us along the best path for our lives.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
Psalm 32:8
I will advise you and watch over you.
May the Lord bless you and fill you with hope as He guides and disciplines you in love.
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I’m so thankful for God’s loving discipline, Deb. I want to surrender to His will.
Blessings!
Me too, Martha! Loving discipline is the key isn’t it. When we feel safe and loved we want to respond with love that trusts His will. May it always be so in my life. By His grace and for His glory! Blessings to you!
You are so right! God disciplines us because he does love us. It is hard when you go through stuff, but being able to know that God knows best is a true blessing. I always love your prayers at the end of your posts. They are so heartfelt and touch me deep in my soul.
Blessings to you my friend!
Thank you so much, Sue! You are a true blessing! Have a wonderful day! Blessings and hugs!
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Thanks for visiting and for sharing this story, Paul. I’m sure that was quite a surprise for her. God bless you and your family.