“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes”.- Psa. 119:71
At first glance you might think that this man has lost his mind. Or you might suppose that this is a special case that applies to him, but not to you. You would be wrong on both counts. This was written by a man of God as directed by the Spirit of God, and what he says is true of us as well as him.
Some are probably wondering, “How could anything painful be profitable? How could something bad make things better? Can afflictions actually aid us? Indeed they can. There are numerous examples of how people have been helped greatly by being hurt grievously. Even if we had no examples we have the testimony of God’s word. We have exceeding great and precious promises that assure us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” ( Rom. 8:28). It would be a serious mistake to doubt what God has said. We can’t trust our feelings, but the facts never fail.
Remember this — he is viewing his afflictions by looking back on them. His conclusion is based on what he sees at the present rather than what he saw in the past. Yesterday he might have wondered how they could possibly be of any benefit tomorrow, but now he sees clearly. It works the same with us. While going through trials we are confused as to how they can be helpful, “nevertheless afterward” (Heb. 12:11) the blessing is seen. That’s why we shouldn’t jump to conclusions, get angry, or give up during hard times. At that moment we can’t see the end result. What we can do, what we must do , is to trust God. He doesn’t make any mistakes. Nor does He need our permission to proceed with His plan. Had it been best for us to know the purpose beforehand God would have told us. He knows we don’t need to know at that time, it would hinder His plan. It is not until afterward that He will explain.
We should be thankful for such a great God as this. If left to ourselves we would spend our lives running from the very things that are good for us. With God’s plan we are prone to run to Him, what’s best for us, because we know we need Him. This same man also said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” (vs.68). Notice- “Before” and “now“– Don’t complain about what God is doing, because later you’ll understand and thank Him for it. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
