The blessed man!

The blessed man!

(James Smith, “Comfort for Christians!”)

“Blessed is the man You chasten, O Lord–the man You teach from Your law!” Psalm 94:12   
    
The chastenings of the Lord often appear severe–but they are merciful. They . . .
  correct our follies,
  subdue our proud wills, and
  soften and humble our hard hearts before Him.

When God chastens–He teaches. The lessons are found in His Word–but we never learn many of them, until we go through the furnace of affliction! We often learn more truth from one short, sharp affliction–than we do from many books and sermons!

In affliction, God teaches us . . .
  our own emptiness and vanity,
  our dependence on Himself, and
  the insufficiency of all our earthly things! 

In affliction, God . . .
  endears the Lord Jesus and His great salvation to us;
  shows us the value of the provision of grace;
  makes our consciences tender and honest; 
  qualifies us for usefulness on earth; and
  fits us for the enjoyment of Himself in Heaven.

We need chastening. If we do not receive it–we become . . .
  carnal and worldly,
  light and trifling,
  unsavory and useless in both the world and the church! 

It is a blessed thing to be chastened of the Lord, especially when the rod teaches us such important and invaluable lessons! Chastened Christians are generally the most useful and attractive Christians. 

“Heed the rod–and the One who appointed it!” Micah 6:9 
Chastened Christian! Seek grace . . .
  to bear the rod, 
  to bless the rod, and 
  to kiss the hand that holds the rod!

“Blessed is the man whom God corrects–so do not despise the chastening of the Almighty!” Job 5:17