Verse of the day: Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I
have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
How many of us enjoy being afflicted? I would have to
honestly say that I do not enjoy it. However, as born again believers, our view
on being afflicted should differ from that of the world’s view. We must
understand, first and foremost, that God ALWAYS has a purpose for what He
allows us to encounter and go through in our Christian walk. Sometimes, the
affliction is God’s way of getting our attention so that we will have a greater
understanding of who He is in our lives, and who He wants us to be as His
children. Sadly, what has a tendency to happen is that we put our eyes on the
fact that the unsaved seem to prosper and experience the “good things” in life,
while we suffer. The fact of the matter is that whatever it is that we learn
during our times of affliction is far more valuable than all the riches this
world has to offer; because what we learn should draw us closer to God, help us
grow in our knowledge of Him, and help us grow in our faith. 1 Peter 1:6-7
tells us,” Wherein ye
greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through
manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more
precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be
found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”.
James 1:2-4 also tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.” Here, in this Psalm, the writer tells us that the affliction
suffered has an end result which is good, and profitable, because it gave him
the opportunity to learn God’s statutes. This sentiment is a repetition of
verse 67, where the Psalmist wrote, “Before I was afflicted I
went astray, But now I keep Your word.” When God chooses to
afflict us as a form of discipline, this is a good thing. Why you ask? God’s
discipline in our lives is evidence that we are His children, and as His
children He will discipline us because He loves us, and desires the best for
us. Hebrews 12:4-12 reminds us that we are not to be discouraged when God
disciplines us, because His discipline is an indication of His love for us.
Furthermore, even though the chastening may not be joyful, instead being
painful, to go through; the end result is that it yields the peaceable fruit of
righteousness for those trained by it. It also reminds us that we honor our
earthly fathers who discipline us out of selfish reasons, but God’s discipline
is selfless, and ultimately for our good. The bottom line is that God desires
that we walk in holiness, and righteousness, and if we stray from that path, He
will allow affliction to come to us in order to steer us back on the path He
wants us to walk on; a path that keeps us close to Him, helps us to know Him better,
and teaches us to trust Him more. In the end, there is nothing that compares to
the value of walking intimately with God, staying close to Him in prayer,
having a better understanding of His truths, and being doers of His Word.
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