First of all, discipline is different than punishment.
Do you have a discipline in your life that you are proud of?
You may have gone through a lot to have that discipline.
Discipline is a good thing and that’s why the Bible says count it all joy.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Does that mean be happy in it? No, we are human.
“For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
But it’s good for us and out of God’s love for us.
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
I was reminded today in my Bible Study to always give God the praise for blessings in my life. In Deuteronomy 8, the Israelites are at the end of their 40 years journey in the wilderness and about to enter the Promised Land.
Did you ever wonder WHY did they have to wander first?
The definition of “discipline” is “the practice of training people to obey.”
The problem is that we want praise, recognition, and honor. It’s clear that God brings us through things to show us our need for Him.
The land they were entering was “flowing with milk and honey” but first they were reminded that God rescued them from slavery and provided for their basic needs…food, clothes, and bodies.
The food they were given was called Manna, and they were told to take just enough for that day and leave the rest. Their feet had no sores and their clothes had no tears. These were small, daily provisions that only God could provide in the wilderness.
God stayed present in their lives so that when they did enter the promised land and became successful, they would remember Him.
… He might humble you and test you to do you good in the end – then when you say in your heart, my power and might of my hand have gained me this wealth, you will remember the Lord your God. It is He who gives you power to get wealth… Deut. 8:16-18
He knows our human comdition is pride and gives us the discipline we need to remember Him on the mountain tops.
This was a great reminder for me.
He is the one who gives me strength and blessings. It’s not me or my things.
So often I want to take credit, rely on my strength, but these mountain tops are a chance to look to God.
Not just when times are tough.
It is only because of Him. He is our provider, our Creator, our Father who loves us.
During times of discouragement, remember God has something amazing planned far beyond our imagination! He’s got us 🙂