Day 24 – Affliction

As I look at all of the self help groups that are out there today, I can’t help but wonder if those who attend actually walk away saying it was good for them to have been through the trial that led them to the counseling session. Many of today’s counselors are eager to encourage a person to place the blame for their plot in life on someone else. However, Christianity does not take that stand.

Affliction

It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? It’s good for me to have been afflicted? Are you serious? But David thought so. Just why would he feel this way? The latter part of Psalm 119:71 has the answer: “that I might learn thy statutes.” God’s law is

God’s Lessons

You will look at the trials and traumas of your life with different eyes when you are actually wanting to learn something from God through it all. I realize that this is easier said than done. However, David practiced this. He actually believed that it was good that he had been afflicted! Why do you suppose he felt this way?

Results

I believe that David’s positive attitude was the result of a man who had actually seen God’s hand throughout the trial. He knew that each affliction would draw him closer to the Lord. I believe that each affliction was an actual opportunity to draw nigh to God.

In my opinion, we draw nearer to God when we become more Christ-like. Each time that we are convicted of sin, repent and truly change, we get closer to God. The Word tells us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). The only way we can achieve this is to allow the Holy Spirit to change us. Affliction allows us to turn to God in dire times of need. This is when we are most open to allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in our lives. Next time trials come into your life, think on these things. God can and will use them for your benefit.