Corona Devo 705
I don’t know if this is
the case with every first-born child, but when ours was old enough to
understand being disciplined, he learned after only one or maybe two spankings
that we meant (parental/Godly-disciplined) business (Proverbs 13:24) when
we set rules and boundaries for him.
At that early age, he could not have understood that we were setting limits and curbing his negative behaviors for his own good, for the good of others, and to raise him up into a man that glorified God…but he did understand that doing/saying/behaving badly brought a negative consequence, and it taught him to pay attention to our decrees.
In the same way, each of our kids has a “favorite” story to tell about the time they received soap or hot sauce (each kid’s different) on their tongue as a result of having a potty mouth/bad mouth/foul mouth. This method involves very little product but can establish a memorable and distasteful memory, encouraging one to think twice before using their tongue in harmful ways.
And each of us probably have our
own discipline stories from growing up…and also as adult children of
our Heavenly Father.
For instance, I would rather have hot
sauce poured in my mouth than to see the hurt in my children or husband’s eyes
when my selfish tongue lashes out at them.
At least the hot sauce taste goes away, but our words spilled in stupidity
and spite cannot be “unheard”, regardless of apologies and forgiveness
granted.
Sometimes I feel that
the hurt we cause others is the strongest discipline we could receive, and it convicts
me/teaches me/causes me to pay attention to God’s decrees with a fresh zeal, because I don’t want to wander
off from Him again.
And so today, Lord, we
come to You. Teach us good judgment
and knowledge and how to closely follow your word. Discipline us for our own good, for the good
of others, and to raise us up into men and women that glorify You. Amen.
(66) I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
(67) I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
(68) You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.
(71) My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
(72) Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
(73) You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
(74) May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
(75) I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it.
(76) Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
(77) Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.
(80) May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed.
We (like children)
wander away from our Heavenly Father’s decrees and commands, but He
loves us enough to discipline us. May we
be dedicated/wise/hungry/humble enough to seek God’s Word and to know His holy
heart in establishing His decrees over this world and our lives.
The Lord has given us
His word and commands for our good and the more closely we adhere to
them, the more fulfilling/purposeful/good our lives will be.
It is hard for any of us
to see the benefit of discipline at the time, but as we mature in our faith (grow from "little children" into "spiritual" adults),
may our spirits say, “My suffering was good for
me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).
And so today, Lord, we
come to You. Teach us good judgment
and knowledge and how to closely follow your word. Discipline us for our own good, for the good
of others, and to raise us up into men and women that glorify You. Amen.
Sarah
https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com
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