May 14, 2016

Psalms 119:71 NKJV - "It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I may learn Your statutes."

Commentary:

This is the second of a trilogy of verses in Psalm 119 on the subject of the Affects of Affliction in a believer's life.  This verse stresses the emphasis to turn to God's Word and learn what He wants.  The thought in verse 67 was to turn us away from a lifestyle of sin which not only dishonors the Lord but leads us into trouble and pain.  Today's verse shows us the motivation of affliction to learn what God has in His Word that brings joy and gladness into one's life.

Learning God's statutes shows us the lifestyle of righteousness which has at least a three-fold affect:  First, we please the Lord and bring Him joy.  Second, we see its affect on our lives giving us peace and pleasure.  And third, it allows us to have a greater witness to the lost around us.  A Christian living a righteous life will have a wonderful influence on bringing people to Christ.

Is affliction ever pleasant?  Hardly, though there are times when we can see that our suffering is keeping someone else from harm.  But the benefit of affliction in this verse should be another reason for recognizing the benefits of hardships.  If you have grown in greater appreciation for God's Word because of your suffering then I trust you realize as the psalmist said, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted."