There is a misunderstanding of what God's love is. Some people believe that God's love means that He should give us whatever we want and do whatever we ask Him. This is the reason why when they are going through difficulties, pain, disappointment, and sorrow, they immediately blame God. They expect that God should be blessing their lives regardless of how they live their lives. What they are really looking for is a God that they can control and manipulate to give them whatever they want. Their focus is not to glorify God but to glorify themselves. It is all about narcissism, selfishness, and self-centeredness. However, God is not a God that can be manipulated and controlled, for He is a sovereign God who created everything. He sets the rule on the universe because He owns everything, including our very lives. He is not a tyrant God, but He is a loving, relational God. He does not force anyone to believe in Him or follow His ways. He respects our decisions and the choices that we make. However, those who believe in Him have a Father relationship with Him, and He has an obligation to lead us to the right path and righteousness as our Father. As a result, He uses discipline to correct us when we are in rebellion. His discipline is only for those who have a relationship with Him.
When David rebelled against God, he was disciplined by God. As a result, he wanted to make it right before God and prayed, "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath (Psalm 39:7-11)." God disciplined David because He loved Him. God wanted to get His attention to repent from sin. When God disciplines us, let us not run away from God, but we should turn to Him and make it right with Him. He will gladly forgive our sins and direct us back to the right path.
There is nothing for us to gain when we are in rebellion against God. Ultimately, we will lose everything in sin if we are not willing to return to God. Through God's discipline, He is sparing us from the sorrow and pain that sin can cause us because He loves us.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Why does God discipline me? What should I do when God is disciplining me? How should I live my life as a child of God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I thank you for teaching me that I live not for myself and want, but I live to honor your name in everything that I do. I thank you for disciplining me when I rebel against you so that I will not stay in sin. Thank you for loving me and never giving up on me, even when my heart is rebelling. I love you, praise you, and glorify your name. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.