2 Samuel 7:14
“I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.”
God disciplines us when we do wrong. Just like any parent would do with a disobedient child. Hebrews 12:6 says, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." Also like a parent, it's out of love.
The depth of God's love for us is so great we can't comprehend it. The greatest example of it was the sacrifice of His Son. Jesus was God and He came willingly. Jesus Himself said in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". There have been soldiers who have sacrificed themselves for their friends.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus gave an insight as to how difficult this was to be. He, being God, with great abilities said to His Father, "Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will”, (Matthew 26:39). He knew there was no other way, but wanted this recorded in scripture. We see His agony, He fell facedown and began to sweat drops of blood. This is a glimpse of the boundless love of God.
In His love He disciplines us. He uses all manners. Much of it depends on our maturity. Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." We have spiritual senses which perk up at times. The conscience is part of them, we learn to read circumstances and catch vibes from people. Closed and open doors are also involved. These are ways that God attempts to guide us. It's very subtle. Sometimes it's our imagination, but sometimes it's God. Acts 16:6-10 is a great example of how God opens and closes doors to guide us.
All of this is based on God's Word. That is His primary method of communication. He will never contradict it. Shame and guilt also aren't part of God's ways (Romans 8:1). While He has blessed us with a conscience, shame is not from God (I John 3:20).
Psalm 32:8,9 gives us more insight with God's guidance, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check". The other end of the spectrum is to require God to use stronger measures for correction and guidance. David also refers to this in today's verse, "I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men."
When we are new believers we sometimes need rougher means to get our attention, but are to grow out of that. Hebrews 6:1 says, "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God". We mature in those spiritual senses and can receive God's guidance easier.
An adult son or daughter rarely needs correction. It would seem to be similar to a mature believer. God prefers to speak to us in gentle whispers (I Kings 19:12). The mature christian is walking in harmony with God and His Word. It's like Eden restored.
Lord, thank You for Your correction and guidance. What a wonderful journey You've called us to. Thank You!