Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
This is the will of God, even our sanctification.
And that afflictive dispensations are the appointed means for promoting that end...
The divine Word abundantly testifies: "He chastens us for our profit, to make us partakers of His holiness."
May we not, then, truly say, "Happy is the man whom God corrects."
Blessed is the man whom You chasten, and teach
out of Your law.
1. By afflictions we
gain much knowledge of ourselves...
When corrupt nature is vexed, it shows its real self.
As in tempestuous weather, the chinks and openings in the roofs of our houses are most sensibly perceived...
So in sharp afflictions we learn our own defects,
weaknesses and sins.
2. Afflictions tend to wean us from the world...
When in uninterrupted health and prosperity, we are apt to be too much pleased with our present condition...
And to lose sight of the crown of glory and the everlasting mansions above...
The loud alarm of affliction rouses us from the enchanting delusion!
The violence
of a tempest impels the mariner to long the more earnestly for the
haven of rest.
3. Afflictions serve to quicken our affections
to the Lord Jesus Christ...
While in ease and tranquility, a spirit of lethargy too often pervades the mind in regard to Christ and the blessings of His salvation.
But, when the tides of distress
and sorrow come rolling in upon us, we are willing, we are glad to
seek rest in Him who is our only hope and Savior in times of
trouble.
On all these, and many other accounts, I hope I can say, It is
good for me that I have been afflicted.
Yes, thanks to my
heavenly Father for the sharpest pains I have felt!
In truly sanctified afflictions we have a
striking solution of Samson's riddle.
How often, and how remarkably is it explained and fulfilled in the experience of the saints in times of distress!
Out of the eater, came something to eat.
Out of the strong, came something sweet."
Judges 14:14
How blessed is it that He who is infinitely wise and inconceivably
kind, should choose our inheritance for us!
And how does it befit
us to acquiesce entirely in His appointment!
Good when He gives, supremely good, Nor less when He denies...
Afflictions from His sovereign hand Are blessings in disguise!
The Lord has just removed my dearly loved boy, perhaps to teach me
that He has a sovereign right and supreme claim to my heart.
Amen,
even so Lord Jesus!
Take my poor heart, and let it be Forever closed to all but Thee...
O seal my heart, and let me wear That pledge of love forever there.
~John Fawcett
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