“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” Job 5:17-18
Eliphaz was convinced that God was punishing Job for something that he had done wrong, or some sin he had committed. We know that God was allowing Job to be tested and had confidence that he would stand true through it all. In these verses Job’s friend was trying to comfort him by explaining that the chastening of God was good for him and would bring joy in the end.
I like the way it is expressed in the New Living Translation:
“But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin. For though He wounds, He also bandages. He strikes, but His hands also heal.”
Just as parents must discipline their children when they do things they shouldn’t, we often fail the Lord, and do things for which He has to correct us. But when He corrects, He always does it with love and mercy. He deals gently with us, showing us our mistakes, and guiding us by His Spirit to a place of repentance and new consecration. He binds up the wounds and brings healing to our broken spirits.
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Hebrews 12:6
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:11-13
We are human and there will be times when the Lord will convict us and correct us, but in the midst of it all, we can rejoice, knowing that He loves us and will never leave us nor forsake us, but will bring us through it and give us joy in the end.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your times of correction, and for the healing and restoration you bring.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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