Year of Exposure Day 44: Don’t shrink from correction.

“Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭141‬:‭5‬a ‭NKJV‬‬

To this point in our discussion of Psalm 141 (as a template for successfully navigating 2025), we have seen that David:

> cries out to the Lord for help

> lifts his hands to the Lord in an expression of helplessness (submission), praise, and adoration

> asks the Lord to help him restrain his words

> asks the Lord to keep him from evil leanings

> asks the Lord to help him not indulge in what evil has to offer

In our opening scripture we see that David, after asking the Lord to keep him from partaking of those things offered by evil people, asks the Lord to help him gladly receive correction.

The writer of Hebrews gives an encouraging discourse on the fact that the discipline of the Lord is actually a blessing.

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 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. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 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 ‭12‬:‭5‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Indeed, God’s correction is part of being God’s child. Without His correction, we cannot be truly His.

Given, we may not feel as though it is a blessing while experiencing it, but if it is received, it produces righteousness and confirms our sonship.

The proverbial writer offers this:

“A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It’s much better to learn when you are told, rather than having to be shown through punishment.

Child of God, let’s fold up and put away from us the “robes of self-righteousness” and welcome correction. In doing so, we may well be spared a harsh rebuke.

Remember, whereas receiving correction is always important, in times of confusion, correction may keep us from making a tragic mistake.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!