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It is good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (Psalm 119:71-72)
When we struggle with any kind of affliction—issues with physical health, anxiety, workplace or family trouble, spiritual concerns—it can be difficult, if not impossible, to see anything good about our circumstances. Inspired by the Spirit of God, the psalmist has clearer sight: “It is good for me that I was afflicted.” The psalmist sees beyond his immediate circumstances to the purpose of God. The affliction serves good purpose because through his suffering, the psalmist learns to rely on the teachings of God. The Word of the Lord is worth more than a fortune in silver and gold!
The psalmist is not the only biblical writer to see beyond affliction to the work of God. The apostle Paul suffered a “thorn” in his flesh, yet he saw divine purpose in that physical ailment. The thorn was a messenger of Satan, permitted by God to prevent the apostle from becoming conceited about the many revelations the Lord had given to him (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). The Lord did not remove the thorn, revealing to Paul that His grace was enough. The mighty power of Christ is made perfect in weakness and suffering, as it was at the cross. Paul also explains that in our afflictions we are comforted by our Heavenly Father “so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4b). We find peace and hope in the promises of God’s Word and then, in turn, share that peace and hope with others who suffer. Through the trials we experience, God conforms us to the image of His Son.
The psalmist recognized the good in his afflictions because the suffering led him to learn the teachings of the Lord. In days of trouble, we also turn to the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is at work in the Word to bring us forgiveness, peace, and hope. Joining with saints from the psalmist to Paul, we glorify God even through suffering. In our trials we may see more clearly the afflictions endured by our Savior Jesus Christ for the sake of our salvation. We rejoice in the glory of His victorious resurrection and long for the day when we will experience perfect peace and healing in His eternal presence. It is never easy to endure the trouble we face. Yet in that suffering, in the midst of our afflictions, we recognize the truth of the psalmist’s words. The hope and peace to be found in the promises of God’s Word are better than gold and silver.
WE PRAY: Spirit of God, when I endure trials, lead me to turn to the comfort of Your holy Word. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
- Why is it hard to see beyond our immediate circumstances and still give praise to God?
- How did the apostle Paul deal with that thing that was bothering him? What monumental truth did he learn from his situation? See 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.
- How do you think God shapes and forms us as His children through the things we face in this life?
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