In the classic children’s book, Pollyanna was paralyzed in an accident. Yet Pollyanna said she was glad she was hurt because since the accident, her aunt had called her “dear” lots of times and she hadn’t before. This made Pollyanna, an orphan, feel that she "belonged" to her aunt.
Our hearts yearn to know
we are loved and that we belong. Even if we don’t get that from our natural
families, we have that as part of God’s family if we are believers. God
loves the world (John 3:16), but only those who are born again through faith in
Jesus Christ are adopted into His family and called God’s children.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we
should be called children of God!”
1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
“The
Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
Romans 8:16 (NKJV)
Because God loves His
children, He chastens us when needed. By His discipline and correction,
we know that we are His. This chastening actually affirms our sense of
belonging in God's family.
“For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom
He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with
sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are
without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are
illegitimate and not sons.”
Hebrews 12:6-8 (NKJV)
God’s also chastening
helps us learn obedience. It is designed to purify us and mold us in the image
of Christ. The process can be painful, but if we yield to His correction and discipline,
we will blessed and God will be glorified.
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but
painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness
to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (KNJV)
When His hand is heavy upon us, we may be tempted to
resist. But submission is the path that brings peace of
heart.
"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not
despise the chastening of the Almighty."
Job 5:17 (NKJV)
We should be glad for
God's chastening because it confirms that we belong to Him, we are His
children. And that belonging satisfies our deepest longings.