Craig Thomas

The eighth set of eight verses in Psalm 119 is “TETH” (vv. 65-72).  In this section the psalmist praises God’s word for delivering him from his “affliction” (v. 67).  The “affliction” from which he appears to be suffering came from trials inflicted by “the proud” who had “forged a lie” against him (v.69).  It is noteworthy that before the psalmist experienced this trial, he says (v. 67):

“Before I was afflicted I went astray,

But now I keep Your word.”

It is a universal fact of the human condition that all suffer trials and tribulations.  Mine may differ from yours, yours may differ from mine; but “mark it down” all of us will ultimately deal with adversity and affliction.  Most folks misunderstand why God allows us to suffer.  Even those of us who are Christians often forget the why’s of suffering when we are in the midst of the “furnace of affliction” (Isa 48:10).  I have been guilty of that charge.

It is so important to remember our suffering never comes from God.  But God permits Satan to afflict us.  Read the book of Job very carefully.  It was Satan who afflicted Job.  It was God who helped him.  As Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10)  The psalmist recognized the benefit of his trials when he said (vv. 67 & 71):

“67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,

But now I keep Your word.”

“71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes.”

When afflictions come, most shake their fist to the heavens and blame God.  God is doing us a great service by allowing the gift of affliction to come our way.  The psalmist’s afflictions did not drive him away from God but drove him toward God!  It reminded him of the importance of keeping God’s word.  It put him in a frame of mind where he desired to “learn Your statutes.”

It is absolutely critical to our happiness in this life, the deepening of our relationship with God, and our preparation for eternal life to endure afflictions.  We must realize God allows them so our faith in Him may grow.  As Peter said (1 Pet. 1:6-9):

“6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love.  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls.”

Precious metals like gold and silver can only be purified by the trial of fire.  Steel can only be made useful if tempered by the intense heat of the furnace.  Similarly, our faith can only grow pure and strong through affliction.  Through affliction, God allows us to learn the most important lesson we desperately need to learn:  I am totally, absolutely, and completely dependent on Him!  I cannot take one breath or one step without His constant abiding presence.  Paul learned this lesson through his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7-10).  He learned he could not overcome it on his own.  He learned God would not take it away.  He learned he could only successfully navigate his personal sea of fire by placing his trust in God:

“8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:8-10)

It is paramount for us to remember this when we are afflicted.  We must reach out to God for the strength we need.  We will not be able to summon that strength from within ourselves; only He can provide it.  We must pray for wisdom to endure our trials (Jas. 1:5-7).  That prayer must be with total confidence and trust God will answer! (Jas. 1:6-8)  The wisdom to understand that even the most terrible and frightening of trials are but a “light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:16).  Affliction can only accomplish that if we allow God to bear our burdens.  But we can be confident in “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).

The next time you visit the “furnace of affliction” do not despair.  Do not shake your fist heavenward and blame God.  Instead,

“2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (Jas. 1:2-4)

God is doing us a grand favor when afflictions come!  He is handing us on a “silver platter,” the opportunity to grow ever closer to Him.

“71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes.

72 The law of Your mouth is better to me

Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.