Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!
We don't know exactly what afflicted the psalmist, but usually to be afflicted is not a good thing. It was most likely uncomfortable or difficult. Could it be a punishment of some kind? Did God discipline him in a specific way? Perhaps some kind of trauma, or even perhaps a dream or vision from the Holy Spirit? We don't know what his affliction was, but he does tell us it profoundly changed him.
Psalm 119:65–72
65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me Your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep Your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
The psalmist points out the great spiritual benefits he obtained, because of his affliction. First, we're told the affliction produced a spirit of obedience and discipline to keep God's word & commandments. This is always a good thing! Second, the affliction caused the psalmist writer to seek out and learn God's teachings or statutes. Again, a very good and blessed result.
In our sinful & selfish condition, we can't escape afflictions, as much as we would like to do so. Our good prayer today is that God would guide us to good results from our afflictions, that they would turn us to learn God's statutes, to believe in His commandments, and to keep God's Word in every way possible. And the best news ever? God forgives your afflictions and all sins; just confess them and receive His mercy and grace in return!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Mark
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS Burton, Michigan
office: 810.744.1188
We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:
Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.
Soli Deo Gloria
"The LORD is a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9
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