The Way of Life
The reproofs of discipline are the way of life. (Prov. 6:23)
Prov. 6:20-23; Eccl. 7:5; Ps 141:5, NIV; Heb. 12:5-11
What Is God Saying?
This is a recurrent theme in Proverbs. Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs and over a thousand songs. He built a great temple and ruled over a kingdom. To listen to his words is to be helped in practical and sound living. Even though his name is a synonym for wisdom, tragically, he wavered from his own advice. Nevertheless, we take from his words the importance of heeding what we don't want to hear to find the life we don't want to miss. In preparation for today's prayer, read Hebrews 12:5-11. It puts the discipline God sends into our lives in its true light, ‘Whom the Lord loves he chastens’ (Heb. 12:6). If we want to walk in the way of life, we must discover that God's will may not always be pleasing, but it is always right.
How Does This Apply To Us?
We don't take kindly to rebuke. Reproof is a bitter pill. We resent it. We will do anything to avoid it. Wisely, the word of God directs us to accept ways we would not naturally choose. ‘It is better to heed a wise person's rebuke than to listen to the songs of fools.’ (Eccles. 7:5)
When things cut across the grain of our lives and we resent the intrusion, that is a matter of prayer. Take the hard things of life to the Lord. Listening quietly and speaking honestly in prayer, we can discover which trials should be accepted to teach us a lesson and which can be left with the Lord as a burden laid down.
Pray With Me
Loving Father, lead me to where I am convinced Your will is right. I need that which does not come naturally. I have considered discipline a hindrance to life instead of its ally. I have resented your reproofs when I should have known you meant to bring greater peace and fuller joy.
Now, Lord, I rejoice in knowing that you are the beginning and the end. You see the end from the beginning. I am ready to accept the detours and roadblocks you see as necessary if I am to remain in the way of life. I apologize for failing to recognize the purpose behind your corrections. I am willing, wanting you to come to me with your wise and loving firmness. In Your mercy, compel me to accept the reproofs that prove Your love and the discipline that decides my destiny.
In the name of him who calls me to the discipline and the glory of discipleship. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Reproofs will never stop coming, but we know how to handle them when they come. Instead of resenting them, we may keep presenting them to the Lord. Prayer deals with the reality of discipline and strengthens us. God will allow us to keep the true reproofs of discipline that are the way of life. Prayer becomes a way to life and a way of life.
