May 13, 2016

Psalm 119:67 NKJV - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word."

Commentary:

What kind of effect does trouble have on your life besides being an annoyance?!  The writer of our Daily Verse recognizes that trouble and affliction are a means of discipline.  God cares about His own, and if He sees them going astray He will do what is necessary to bring those errant believers back into a life of righteousness and joy.  The disciplined believer will see the importance of obeying God's Word.

1 Peter 4:1 says something quite similar:  "...for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin."  The idea being that a believer often associates suffering with God's corrective discipline.  And that's true!  God is our ultimate parent.  And what He calls parents to do with their children, God does with His.  Note Proverbs 23:13,14 NLT, "Don't fail to discipline your children.  They won't die if you spank them.  Physical discipline may well save them from death."

Affliction is one of God's ways to "get our attention."  He loves us enough to keep us living according to His Word.