It was good for
me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees (Psalm 119:71).
Here we are graced
with a profound and unexpected admission. In his suffering, the writer reaches
out to his Maker and, in the process, learns God’s commands. The remarkable
thing is that after everything is said and done, the writer acknowledges that
suffering has actually turned out to be beneficial in his life. If I
hadn’t suffered, I may not have learned your ways.
This is not in any
way saying God causes our suffering. Though some would disagree, I do not
believe God intentionally brings us harm for the purpose of making us better. I
know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not
to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). The Scriptures make it clear that life
holds enough hurts without God adding any to the mix. Each day has
enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33).
What is true though is that if we bring those hurts
to God, and submit to his Lordship, from even the worst days he will bring us
good. In all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
The next time
suffering rears its ugly head, thank God that it doesn’t have to be for
nothing.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
The sooner we learn, the
sooner the teaching can stop. What is God teaching you this week?
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