Psalm 119:49-72

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67, NKJV)

Trouble, suffering, affliction and persecution. These are not things we desire. Most of us would be content with a peaceful, happy life with no stress. But just when you get everything the way you like it, something goes wrong. You have a medical emergency, you suffer financial loss, or someone close to you dies. These are the unwelcomed visitors of life.

Sometimes we are afflicted by a person who has hurt us in some way. It seems that life would be so much better without them! But would it really? Could it be that they are God’s servant to teach us something we can learn no other way? We resist change. We like to stay where we are comfortable and in control. But what if we are not in a healthy place? Maybe God knows that affliction is exactly what we need to move us from our complacency. Or maybe we have thought more of ourselves than we ought. Their criticisms have bruised our pride. Their comments have incited a reaction that we must now bring to the cross.

The psalmist realized that his afflictions had actually helped him. Before they came he easily went astray, turning to his own way. He was undisciplined and unfaithful. But his sufferings had produced perseverance and character in him. Trouble caused him to seek God more earnestly and to hold fast to His Word. He discovered that God was always with him in the fire. So rather than despising his afflictions he began thanking God for them.

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71, NKJV)

“Father, forgive us when we have murmured and complained over the situations and people you have allowed in our lives. Help us submit to these afflictions as your tools to carve us into the image of Christ. Help us seek your will and hold fast to your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”