July 25, 2018 - - Psalm 119:67, 71 - - How affliction is good!

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

Psalm 119:67, 71 ESV

Affliction as a benefit or even a blessing from God?!

Yes. Consider these facts:

~In times of affliction we seek God

~In times of affliction we consider what we had been doing

~In times of affliction we are most open to what the Spirit says

~In times of affliction we are vulnerable to the Bible

~In times of affliction we find wise Christian pray-ers

~In times of affliction God shows He is present

~In times of affliction God proves He is always near

~In times of affliction God's Spirit leads us to Jesus, Who

endured hardships and affliction, beatings and poverty, and

finally the humiliation of the cross so that we might be set free

to follow the Word and the Will of God

~In times of affliction God's Word anchors our soul to Jesus

~In times of affliction God shows us the sweetest times of prayer

God of all hopefulness, in the darkest hours of suffering and trial, give us the strength to turn to You.

God our Father Who disciplines His sons and daughters in love, let the purposefulness of our afflictions drive us back into Your open arms.

Jesus our Savior, thank You for the suffering You endured for us. Thank You that all our pains and wounds and griefs here on earth are totally meaningful even in the darkest hours when we cannot discern that meaning yet.

Spirit of all Comfort, bring us to the oasis of the Word of God so that our souls and minds and bodies may find refreshment.

Triune God, when our suffering means we can't even lift our eyes to You in prayer, thank You for the prayers of Jesus on our behalf. Thank You for the Spirit of God Who leads other believers to pray for us. Be our rock of refuge until the storms pass. Amen.