Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons. For what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? But he chasteneth us for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness, Hebrews 12:6-10.
To these chastenings also belong outward afflictions, which are precious means and sanctified to believers.
O my dear heavenly Father! Thou art only pleased with a true, filial confidence, but I am still of a distrusting heart, when any thing comes upon me on a sudden. Grant that I may always entertain the best hope of thee, fear no adversity, or look upon it as a sign of displeasure, but of love; really believing it to be intended as a blessing to my good. Whatever thy providence may order, let me only be convinced of thy paternal affection, and fall in with thy salutary designs.
So for my sin I justly feel
Thy discipline, O God;
Yet wait the gracious moment still,
’Till thou remove thy rod.
For I have found, ’tis good for me
To bear my Father’s rod:
Afflictions make me learn thy law,
And live upon my God.
This is the comfort I enjoy
When new distress begins:
I read thy word, I run thy way,
And hate my former sins.