Keep the Faith
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me Psalm 38:1-2, ESV
In the passage above David is seeking God’s forgiveness. It appears that he has done something that has brought discipline on himself. But I love that later in the scripture we read that David does not lose faith or hope in God for he says, “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:21-22, ESV
Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior no longer have a sin nature. We are righteous because we have the nature of Christ! Hallelujah! But we still war with the flesh daily and at times we succumb to what we know we should not have done. We are always forgiven when we turn away from the behavior and seek Jesus for forgiveness. However, this does not mean we will not suffer the consequences of our behavior. There are certain things that we can get ourselves into that God will discipline us for.
It appears in scripture this is what has happened to David. We cannot lose our hope in God because of the correction that he gives us. I am reminded of Joshua when they had taken the city of Jericho and God specifically told them not to keep anything for themselves. All the vessels of gold, silver, bronze and iron were to be dedicated to the Lord. But Achan sinned and took some articles and hid them under his tent. When Israel went to their next battle against Ai about thirty-six of their men were killed. The Israelites returned in fear, but Joshua sought the Lord and the Lord revealed to him that Israel had sinned and disobeyed his instructions. Therefore his presence did not go with them.
When Joshua found out that Achan had disobeyed God they stoned him, his family and everything that belonged to his household. Then they set it all on fire. After they took care of the sin God retuned his presence with them and gave them victory in the battle with Ai.
God disciplines those he loves and he brings correction to his children. This does not mean that you are banned from his presence or cannot go to him. He has told us that he is with us forever. God corrects us and we move on in his presence with the same relationship as we had before. He does not hold vengeance against his children. Just like a parent disciplines their child, it never stops the parents love or the relationship that they have together. Scripture says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews
12:4-6, ESV
Key points:
God disciplines those he loves.
Discipline is necessary to correct your behavior.
Discipline does not change your standing with God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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