Good Afflictions
Psalm 119:65-72
Verses 67-68 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word. You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees.
We talked yesterday about the psalmist’s desire to be taught the law. Today he talks about how God taught him.
When the psalmist says that he was afflicted, this affliction wasn’t merely an illness or such. He felt this was a tool used by God to teach him a knowledge of the law that he would otherwise miss. He said that it was the affliction that brought him back to the correct path. He had been wandering, seeking his own way and that was not leading him along the path that God had desired for him.
The end of that sentence shows it worked, This man of song turned from the life of sin because of the trial that God brought into his life. And because of this correction he has received a deeper respect of God and His plans. He even declares that God is good and that what He does is good. This shows us this man had learned from his gifted trial. Although he probably didn’t think of it as a gift at the time.
Another thing we must notice is that he doesn’t say that it was the affliction that brought him to God in the first place. The verse says, “I went astray” which leads us to understand that he knew right from wrong before he went astray. This is important for us to remember. He didn’t say that he had abandoned God but that he had gone astray. When we are truly God’s people we will not be lost because God will never leave us or forsake us.
This should also give us a welcoming view of God’s correction which may come in the form of trials and afflictions. Knowing that He is giving them out of the goodness of His heart and that they are for our repentance and betterment should bring us to the same place that it brought this man of ages past. When we receive the correction and turn from our wayward path, we will find that God is there with arms opened wide to receive us back into full communion with Him. God is good. All the time.
Making It Personal
What affliction has God used to help you turn back to Him? Did you learn your lesson quickly or did you fight the correction? Have you praised God for that affliction?
Making It Personal Kids
Why does Jesus sometimes use hard times in life to get your attention? Does Jesus ever do anything that will hurt you? Can you praise Jesus for His correcting you?
Closing Prayer
Father, You are forever good. We don’t deserve You. Father, help us to learn from the afflictions that You send our ways as lessons. Give us wisdom on what is a trial from You and what is just part of life. Help us to always turn to You. In Jesus’ name. amen.
Posted on eastmartincrc.org, October 20, 2022