Being a parent of four children is my greatest joy. That they’ve made it to being teenagers is my greatest accomplishment. All joking aside, being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever done. The most challenging part is disciplining them when they have disobeyed. I don’t want to do it, but it is what they needed. God disciplines those He loves, and it is exactly what you need.
Hebrews 12:6
My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.
Wander Off the Path
The Lord disciplines those He loves. He does it for several reasons. Most importantly, He does it to keep us in line. Any child that is left to his own will eventually wander off the path and into trouble. Jesus knows that and disciplines you to keep you from hurting yourself. His discipline is so much a rebuke as it is a correction. He doesn’t want any harm to come to you.
We Are Naturally Rebellious
To those who are naturally rebellious, they buck at this verse. They don’t want anyone telling them they are doing something wrong, and any discipline is seen as an act of hate. If God truly loved them, He would prevent them from doing anything wrong before they did it and not discipline after. That is upside-down thinking and misses God’s true heart.
Exactly What You Need
When God does chasten you, the best thing to do is take a moment and ponder why it happened. Were you out of line? Were there several warnings you ignored before you did it? Most likely, these are both true. God does warn you, and it’s our stubbornness that ignores His warnings. Do the right thing and repent of your sins and ask God to make things right. It was exactly what you need.