The Blessed Man

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The Blessed Man
"Blessed is the man you chasten, O Lord — the man you teach from your law!" Psalm 94:12
The chastenings of the Lord often appear severe — but they are merciful. They . . .
  correct our follies,
  subdue our proud wills, and
  soften and humble our hard hearts before Him.
When God chastens — He teaches. The lessons are found in His Word — but we never learn many of them — until we go through the furnace! We often learn more truth from one short, sharp affliction — than we do from many books and sermons!
In affliction, God teaches us . . .
  our own emptiness and vanity,
  our dependence on Himself, and
  the insufficiency of all earthly things!
In affliction, God . . .
endears the Lord Jesus and His great salvation to us;
shows us the value of the provision of grace;
makes our consciences tender and honest; 
qualifies us for usefulness on earth; and
fits us for the enjoyment of Himself in Heaven.
We need chastening. If we do not receive it — we become
  carnal and worldly,
  light and trifling,
  unsavoury and useless,
in both the world and the church. It is a blessed thing to be chastened of the Lord, especially when the rod teaches us such important and invaluable lessons. Chastened Christians are generally useful and attractive Christians.
But you must not suppose that a Christian is not being chastened, just because you do not witness his correction. The rod is sometimes laid on the body — but more frequently on the soul. The heart knows its own bitterness — when others little suspect what painful chastening it is enduring.
"Heed the rod — and the One who appointed it!" Micah 6:9. Chastened Christian! Seek grace . . .
  to bear the rod,
  to bless the rod, and
  to kiss the hand that holds the rod!
Heavenly Father, correct us tenderly and lovingly; and whenever You correct us — let us see Your gracious face!
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the chastening of the Almighty!" Job 5:17