GOD’S DISCIPLINE A PATHWAY TO REFUG
The Lord’s discipline, far from being a punitive measure for our sins, is a gracious invitation to seek Him as our ultimate refuge. This truth is beautifully illustrated in Psalm 116, where we see the psalmist’s journey from distress to deliverance, culminating in a deepened love and trust in the Lord. When the sorrows of death encompassed him and the pains of hell took hold, the psalmist did not shrink back in fear of punishment, but rather called upon the name of the Lord
Psalms 116:3-4
. This response exemplifies the true nature of God’s discipline – it trains us to run to Him in our times of need, knowing that He inclines His ear to our supplications
Psalms 116:2
.
In our Christian walk, we often face trials and tribulations that may feel like punishment. However, these experiences are actually opportunities for us to learn to rest in Christ, who is our safe haven in any situation. The psalmist declares,
“Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee”
(
Psalms 116:7
). This rest is not found in our own efforts or righteousness, but in the finished work of Christ. As we encounter God’s discipline, we are being trained to cease from our own works and enter into the rest that is Christ Himself
Hebrews 4:10
. It is in this place of rest that we truly experience the Lord’s bountiful dealings with us, finding Him to be gracious, righteous, and merciful
Psalms 116:5
.
The discipline of the Lord leads us to a profound realization – that He is our portion and inheritance. Just as the psalmist asks,
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
(
Psalms 116:12
), we too come to understand that our response is not to strive in our own strength, but to
“take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD”
(
Psalms 116:13
). This cup of salvation is Christ Himself, our life and our all. As we learn to drink deeply of Him, we find ourselves walking before the Lord in the land of the living
Psalms 116:9
, enjoying the reality of His presence and the fullness of His grace. In this way, God’s discipline accomplishes its purpose, bringing us into a deeper experience of Christ as our refuge, our righteousness, and our very life.
Verses Referenced:
- Psalms 116:2 – “For since he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”
- Psalms 116:3-4 – “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.”
- Psalms 116:5 – “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.”
- Psalms 116:7 – “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.”
- Psalms 116:9 – “I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”
- Psalms 116:12 – “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
- Psalms 116:13 – “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.”
- Hebrews 4:10 – “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”