Godly discipline
“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.” - Hebrews 12:9-10
We have often undergone the disciplining of our Father in Heaven. These chastening, though painful at the moment, brings much joy later.
We see the distinction between the disciplining of earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father. Our earthly fathers chastened us according to what they saw was good, which may not always be right or in the proper intentions. But we were still subjected unto them because God placed them above us to guide us to the right path. The chastening of our Heavenly Father, however, goes way beyond our short-term intentions.
God’s discipline leads us to Holiness. His discipline directs us to perfection. The joy that comes to us, after His chastening, is eternal and not just for the moment. All we have to do is be in subjection to Him. He knows what is profitable for us and will lead us into being His perfect children.