The Value of Divine Correction

But consider the joy of those corrected by God!
Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.
For though He wounds, He also bandages.
He strikes but His hands also heal.
From six disasters He will rescue you; even in the seventh, He will keep you from evil. . . 
You will be safe from slander and have no fear when disaster comes.
You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you. . . 
You will know that your home is safe.
When you survey your possessions, nothing will be missing. . . 
You will go to the grave at a ripe old age, like a sheaf of grain harvested at the proper time!
Job 5:17-26


Job's friend, Eliphaz, spoke those words to him. He spoke with the assumption that Job was undergoing divine correction for some form of sin. Even though his underlying assumption was wrong, the words he spoke are biblical and worth latching onto.

First, divine correction is something we must wholeheartedly embrace even though the process can be painful and unpleasant.
The Bible has this to say about divine correction: "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves and punishes each one He accepts as a child.  . . .
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 12:5-11).

If God does not correct and discipline us as a father, chances are that our wrong and selfish choices will end up in self-destruction. God treats us just like any earthly parent who loves his child would. As I look back over my life, I can recall very serious disciplinary actions and conversations I received from my father which helped me with my character development.

Second: God's greatest desire is to bless His children even as He hems us in with divine discipline!
God bandages us; He heals us; He rescues us from disaster and evil; He keeps us safe from slander; He can even give us such long life and prosperity that we will go to the grave at a ripe old age like a sheaf of grain harvested at the proper time!
May your life be enriched by divine corrections and may all the blessings enumerated above come upon you and overtake you.
 
Prayer: Father, I am open to your divine discipline and I ask that you shower my life with your choicest blessings. Amen.