3-16-06 Psalms 118:18

Psalms 118:18 (KJ21)
The LORD hath chastened me sorely, but He hath not given me over unto death.

Psalms 118:18 (NAS)
The LORD has disciplined me severely, But He has not given me over to death.

Psalms 118:18 (NIVUS)
The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Psalms 118:18 (NLT)
The LORD has punished me severely, but he has not handed me over to death.

As a parent, you know that there are times in which you have to correct and discipline your children. Although you never want to hurt them, you also know that sometimes it may be necessary to hurt their feelings or to disappoint them. Sometimes the only way we can learn is through such reproof.

Jehovah, the Most Holy God, is no different. He loves you so much that He cannot allow certain behaviors and attitudes to continue. He, therefore, often chastises and instructs you through His word. He wants to bind you to His will. Through teaching or punishment, He disciplines you, so that you will be reformed into His image.

You, however, do not need to dread Adonai's chastening. His discipline is to lift you up and restore you. He desires you to turn back to Him willingly, even if it is with tears and weeping. He does not want you to withdraw from Him, but to yield to His desires. When the Almighty reproves you, it is not to ruin you. His chastisement will not cause your death, but will bring you healing.