Do you enjoy hardship? Would you consider affliction a good thing? Typically, we do all we can to avoid affliction and pain. But there are times that affliction might prove to be a blessing. The Psalmist reflects on this a few times in Psalm 119.
In Psalm 119:67, we read, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” Times of ease might lull our spiritual senses and pull us into unfaithful lifestyles. When that happens, affliction might be an apt reminder of what is truly important. A few verses later, in verse 71, the Psalmist writes, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Sometimes, God might use affliction as a reminder to return to His way. Such times may not be pleasant, but they are a blessing. In times of affliction, don’t give up on God—return to His Word and walk in His ways.