The Bible that so often illuminates and encourages us also sometimes shreds us, applying "reproof" and "correction" to our hearts, minds, and lives (II Timothy 3:16).
We wouldn't want it any other way. True love, the love of God, tells us the truth about all things, including ourselves. The Psalmist honestly confessed fear regarding this Divine devotion to our best interests: "My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee, and I am afraid of Thy judgments" (Psalm 119:120). He knew that the God committed to our care loves us enough to apply His Word in a manner that may well offend us. David's prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 speaks figuratively of "the bones which Thou hast broken" (Psalm 51:8). The Lord ventured deeply in David to make changes that hurt and damaged before healing and delighting.
Every time we open our Bibles, the possibility exists that our Heavenly Father will venture deeply in us to break bones. Thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions that do not align with Truth must be shattered. Indeed, it is one thing to say that we seek to be Biblical in all things. It is another thing altogether to actually do it. What does Scripture literally say about the issues and realities of God, and of our relationship with Him? And what is the Holy Spirit thereby communicating to us of light, encouragement, and yes, of reproof and correction? We must keep these questions at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we open the Book that should not only thrill us, but cause us to tremble. Our Lord loves us enough to hurt us when necessary, and to tell us plainly when we are wrong in order that "the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice" (Psalm 51:8).
"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor be weary of His correction. For whom the Lord loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."
(Proverbs 3:11-12)
Weekly Memory Verse
But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice. Let them shout for joy because Thou defendest them. Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee.
(Psalm 5:11)
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