Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
God is Faithful
Today's Verse:
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. ~Psalm 119:75
Yesterday, we considered God’s purpose in affliction. God uses affliction to teach us His Word and to draw us closer to Him. Affliction is not something that we typically pray for, but when God sends it to us, we learn that it is a building block in our faith. Through affliction, the psalmist developed a greater appreciation for God and His goodness. Through his affliction, he praised God for being so good to him. We see another vital principle concerning trials in our life. God uses our trials as an example and encouragement to others going through a similar situation.
We see the acceptance in afflictions.
Though it was difficult, the psalmist accepted his affliction as God’s working in his life to draw him closer to Him. “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” He learned something fresh and new about the faithfulness of God in his life. He accepted that this was what he needed from God. He knew that God did not make a mistake in putting him through his crisis. There comes a time when we must accept that afflictions are God’s means to teach us to stop fighting, rebelling, and resisting Him. Through afflictions, we are able to see God’s faithfulness at work through His daily mercies which sustain us.
We see the appreciation in afflictions.
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments... Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” Not only did he accept what God was doing in his life, he was appreciative of what God was doing in his life. He was appreciative that God made him for a purpose, and through this purpose, God was daily molding him into His image. We must always be reminded that it is God which worketh in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Before he was afflicted, he thought little of God’s mercies. The trial changed all of that. Through his affliction, he prayed for God’s merciful kindness to be his comfort through His Word. Afflictions teach us to appreciate God in His mercies, goodness, and patience with us. Are you thankful for His mercies which are new every morning? Do you acknowledge how great His faithfulness is in your life especially during a trial?
We see the approval in afflictions.
The psalmist awakened to the fact that many eyes were watching him to see how he would respond to his afflictions. “They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word... Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.” First, there were the God-fearing who prayed for him that he would not waste the trial. They were delighted and happy to see how his affliction drew him closer to God and His Word. Second, there were those going through trials who witnessed his sweet and surrendered spirit in the midst of his affliction. These people turned to him for encouragement and counsel. God uses the tough times in our life to give a word of cheer and to strengthen others. We are able to comfort others even as God comforts us. Are you using the trials in your life to encourage others who are suffering? Do you see yourself as a means to encourage someone who is discouraged?
God’s way is always perfect. Take time to pray that your affliction can be used to strengthen a brother or sister going through a similar or more difficult time in their life.
Have a teachable God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 1-3
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