It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalm 119:71
This longest of Psalms, 119 is the most formal and elaborate of all. It is an acrostic with 22 verses. Each verse refers, in some way, to the Word of God. In this way, the Psalmist expresses the great value of God’s Word in sustaining righteous behavior and quality of life.
Afflict, to cause hurt, distress, oppress or plague. This is a good thing? Yes, it is through our own strife that we learn to recognize the pain of others. Personal failure develops compassion in those who seek to become like Christ. Loss is a shared experience of all mankind thus, sympathy in place of scorn and judgement can be a universal comfort.
Through wisdom this poet sees that God’s goodness reigns in every moment for those who trust. Affliction is a delicate tool in the hand of He who molds a perfect heart, making it a vessel of His love and grace.
Love!
Gretchen