And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son” (Hebrews 12:5-6).
Heavenly Father, You are a God of fullness, of abundance and of infinite giving. The apostle John reminds us that You give us Your us love in no small measure, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are" (1 John 3:1)!
Thank You, Lord, for all that Your great love entails, including discipline. Through our human filters, we attach so much to that word and its history of imperfect application—the scars of hurt and misuse; the taint of abuse and perversion.
Help us to remember that You are God. Help us to remember that You are like no other—You are perfect in wisdom, perfect in knowledge, perfect in justice. Help us to remember Your great love cannot be matched in purity and perfection by even the most loving earthly parents—they disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10).
Thank You, Lord, that Your discipline is cause for encouragement (Hebrews 12:5). Thank You for Your loving hand, and Your steady guidance. Thank You that You see our hearts, and You apply the perfect level of correction—the soft, gentle whisper of reproof (1 Kings 19:12-13), or the blinding flash of arresting conviction (Acts 9:3-9).
Thank You that You love us and desire our good. Thank You for the words of our Lord Jesus, "those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent" (Revelation 3:19). Help us to hear Your voice. Help us to repent. Help us to heed the words of the Holy Spirit through the psalmist David:
"Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you" (Psalm 32:9).
We pray for Your wisdom, O Lord. Help us to yield to Your loving discipline, trusting in the promise You have given, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8).
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