Psalm 94:12-15

Joy and discipline are not usually two words that I equate together. However, it is the results of discipline that we find are well worth it, and yes, even bring joy in our lives.

The author of Hebrews states in Hebrews 12:7-11:

“As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.7-11.NLT

John Maxwell is quoted as saying, “Pay now and play later, or play now and pay later.” Godly discipline sets us up for life if we will submit to it and allow ourselves to be trained by it.

Proverbs is clear on the value of discipline. Proverbs 12:1 states:

“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.12.1.NLT

Proverbs 15:32 states:

“If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭32‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.15.32-33.NLT

Notice that the Psalmist says that God gives those who are trained by discipline relief in troubled times.

Consider Proverbs 12:3:

“Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.12.3.NLT

Deep roots are life savers in storms. The storms of life hit everyone but only those with deep roots are left standing afterwards. Living in South Florida, we have seen our fair share of hurricanes. It is amazing to watch some of what appear to be the most stately trees be taken out by the winds and the reason why is revealed in their underbelly - shallow roots.

The Apostle Paul gives us this encouragement in Colossians 2:6-7:

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.2.6-7.NLT

Consider Jesus, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

When you are trained by discipline, you begin to view it with joy because God is setting you up for better things in the future. Learn to embrace discipline. You won’t be sorry.

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