Yes, Lord, Yes!

If you've ever asked a child to do something and received an adamant "I will not," it was most likely quite stunning. Jeremiah 6:16 records these words of God: "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" Although we're all guilty of knowing God's words of instruction (His commandments) and failing to obey, I suspect none of us would verbally tell Him, "no, I'm not going to do that." Not much is said these days about spiritual discipline, however, God does take His children "to the woodshed." The intent of His discipline is clear: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11, ESV). For much the same reason children are corrected - to lead them into right and honorable behavior - God disciplines those whom He loves (Proverbs 3:11-12). What joy we take in obedient and well-behaved children; likewise, how pleasing to The Father are those who, instead of a rebellious "no," give a resounding and joyful ... Yes, Lord, Yes!