Does God’s anger endure forever? Does he love his children? Sure he does, but we must understand he does not always approve of what we do, nor does he ever abide with the sin we commit. There are times in the life of Christian that God must chastise us. He does so to arrest destructive behavior and restrain ungodly thinking that will not produce the fruit he desires in us. His correction is a benefit and mercy he gives to his children. The Bible teaches, “My son do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. (6) For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (7) It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons…” (Heb 12:5-7).
This is truth David reflects on as he dedicates the site of the temple to come that he purchased Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chr 21:26). In that moment in biblical history, God was disciplining David for acting out of a lifted heart (pride) in his commissioning of the numbering (i.e. census) the people of Israel. Biblical scholars believe this Psalm is connected to that moment as David not only recalls his experience of God’s correction, but also the joy of his grace that is renewed daily. David rejoiced that Gods’ angers does not persist with his children. Here are some encouragements we can glean from David’s thoughts:
The gloating of our enemies shall not endure. David praises God for his rescue from a possible near death experience, for he says, “O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol” (v3). His enemies delighted in his fall. He was thankful for not only answered prayer, but also that God did not allow his enemies boasting over him to endure, thus David praises, “I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me” (v1).
Gods’ indignation is temporary. David continues his praise, “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime” (v5). No matter how painful God discipline is that he administers into our lives, we must be encouraged by the following:
- Correction is a mercy. It awakens us to the truth and turns us away from pitfalls we are headed blindly into. Like a parent who removes a fork from a child running to place it in a power outlet, so our gracious Father must intervene when are hearts are set on injurious path. As child (in this scenario), it might seem to be fun thing to do, but a parent knows better. The primary objective of chiding such a child is to preserve life! If we (who are evil) understand the importance to this, how much more does our Good Good Father know it all?
- Correction preserves life and produces godliness. When humbly received, Gods’ discipline delivers us from error. Like a rod on the back, the pain of God’s correction has a purging effect on our attitudes. It refocuses our attention toward God and away from self. This is why the Bible teaches, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb 12:11). Bottomline, God’s discipline heals us of self-led living.
- Correction does not change our standing with God. We are assured Gods’ grace is available and renewed to us each day. He never gives up on his children, nor will he ever cast us away (Jn 10:28) no matter what we have done. David reminds us, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (v5). Hallelujah! Remember Jeremiah the prophet, as he witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem from afar as God carried out his judgment (discipline) upon his people. He agrees with David that even in the midst of great tribulation, he remembered the character of God and his disposition towards his people, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; (23) they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22-23).
Beloved, nothing you or I have done is too great that the arm of God cannot rescue us from. No matter the shame or consequences we experience because of sinful decisions and attitudes, (because of Christ) he does not turn his face from us. His heart remains tender towards us to work in our lives that we may prosper in him. Always remember this. He corrects because he loves and wants us to share in his holiness.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com