Text: Psalm 119:65-72
Key Verse- I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word vs 67 NLT
Obedience is not natural to man. Many Christians struggle with it. Obedience does not join hands with what pleases the flesh, so they oppose each other. Therefore, obedience is difficult for those whose minds are set on their own ways.
God is good and always does good as verse 68 affirms. He always treats us well vs 65- He gives not what we deserve but out of His grace and mercy. It is because of this grace that He teaches or trains us in the way of obedience- following Him, and not vain persons or paths.
How does He train us? He disciplines us. Let me allow Scriptures to speak:
“You have forgotten the encouraging words that God speaks to you as his children:
“My child, pay attention when the Lord disciplines you. Don’t give up when he corrects you. The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child.” Endure your discipline. God corrects you as a father corrects his children. All children are disciplined by their fathers. If you aren’t disciplined like the other children, you aren’t part of the family. On earth we have fathers who disciplined us, and we respect them. Shouldn’t we place ourselves under the authority of God, the father of spirits, so that we will live? For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best. Yet, God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him. We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.” Heb 12:5-11 GW
God’s disciplines may sometimes be by the hand of wicked men or even some dear Saints- who are God’s hand and sword Ps 17:13-14. In character they behave arrogantly, not knowing God’s mind, they are cold and insensitive. But to what purpose? That the one undergoing God’s discipline might be rightly aligned with God. So, we can say in the end, “The punishment you gave me was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. They are more valuable to me than millions in silver and gold!” vs 71-72 TLB.
Prayer– Give me wisdom and good sense to understand your dealings, LORD. Amen