"FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH." The Lord deals with us as sons. Crosses are not curses. Frowns are sometimes favours. Every child is chastened, chastened by the Almighty. His chastenings are always wise: He never corrects but for faults, though His dispensations are sometimes intended to draw out our graces, and improve our godliness. If the Lord chastens us, it is because He loves us. Let us not then mistake the purpose of our afflictions. They are really mercies. They are indispensable, unless our wise and gracious Father would allow us to get in harm's way. Let us therefore ask, "Why am I corrected?" Let us prostrate ourselves before our Father's throne, and while we acknowledge His wisdom in the discipline, beseech Him to make His chastisement a rich blessing. The Lord's rod often blossoms and bears fruit. Our present discipline is to prepare us for future duties, employments, and achievements. With God it is all right: He is really very kind. His chastening is for our good. The rod is not in a stranger's hand: we are not suffering from the stroke of a cruel one, but from the chastening of the Almighty. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness."

For Meditation:
O Father of mercies on me,
In deepest affliction, bestow
The grace of submitting to Thee,
A sanctified use of my woe.