Have You Ever Asked God For Correction?
Jeremiah 10:23-24, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing."
It is interesting that Jeremiah as one who represents the nation of God's people asked God to correct him. However, he is careful in making the request. He understood they needed correction (they were off course), he knew they deserved to be punished (they had done wrong and needed to learn better) so he makes his request for God to correct them but not in anger.
One of the great blessings in the Christian life is to understand that when God corrects us, He does so in love with the purpose of correcting (setting us straight). God's correction in His people is never punitive but is always corrective. Hebrews 10:29-31, "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Barnes in his "Notes On The Bible" states God will judge His people "...when they deserve it and punish them if they ought to be punished. The mere fact that they are his people will not save them from punishment if they deserve it, any more than the fact that one is a beloved child will save him from correction when he does wrong. This truth was abundantly illustrated in the history of the Israelites, and the same great principle would be applied should any sincere Christian apostatize (to abandon the Christian faith) from his religion. He would have before him the certainty of the most fearful and severe of all punishments."
By faith, we can ask the Lord to correct us knowing His ways are perfect. Any corrections would be for our good and His glory! Simply put we can pray: "Lord correct me in thy great love, mercy and wisdom. I desire to live in such a way as to never have the need to experience Your correction in thy hot displeasure." (Psalm 6:1 and Psalm 38:1)
Change your direction and allow the Lord to correct you where needed.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Why do most people think they can sin and not be punished? Is this true in believers and if so why?
2. Is it loving or unloving for a parent to discipline a child who is wayward? How about God?
3. Have you ever asked the Lord to correct you where needed? If so, what was your prayer like?