The Discipline of Grace

What we want is not always what we need. Often we assume that the course of least resistance will lead to the place of peace, or that the absence of hardships will necessarily result in blissful contentment. But God knows better, and sees to it that there are plenty of trials and tribulations to remind us of our need for reliance on His grace, not favorable circumstances, to bring us to the place of blessing. Faith must be refined; dross must be removed. Notice in this “TETH” portion how the saint profits from God’s faithful, chastening hand.

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted . . .” (vv. 67, 69-71). The psalmist found that his wandering necessitated God’s administering the rod of correction – affliction – which brought him back to the place of obedience. It also resulted in a deeper understanding of, and longing for, the right ways of God. Yes, we are graciously chastened, “ . . . for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness” (Heb. 12:10-11). Even though it is through difficulty, the believer benefits greatly when God sends the storm, which causes us to flee once again beneath His sheltering wings.

“Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD . . .” (vv. 65-66). Our Heavenly Father never errs in His treatment of His own. There are never any surprises as to HOW He deals with them – it is always “according unto thy word.” The promises of God contained therein are for those believers in need of sustaining grace. The Scriptures also clearly declare how God deals with the errant saint in need of the discipline of grace (Titus 2:11-14). Regardless of what we might face, it is the Bible which contains the unchanging “judgment and knowledge” we need to understand what God is doing, and what He wants us to do in turn.

“Thou art good, and doest good . . . “ (vv. 68,72). “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” He knows exactly what correction we need to keep us on the path of obedience and in the place of blessing. At times we may wonder “Why?” or “How long?” – but we should never be guilty of wondering “Is what God is doing right?”

Are we facing a fiery trial today? Then with our whole heart we should seek God’s purpose in it, and rely upon Him to perform His perfect work through it. Remember, this affliction is good for us. Therefore, you can rest and trust Him as you attend Adversity University!