It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119.71
There are many scriptures in the bible that say how we are overcome by different trials in our lives, how trials come to make us stronger, and even that moments of despair can be good for us. I will never go against the Word of God – the Word is the Word. However, let’s talk about this, no one likes pain or to be troubled. In fact, most of us will do whatever we have to do in order to avoid a painful or troubling situations. So when I came across this scripture, I asked some questions “how can afflictions (pain) be good?” And “why do I have to go through them to learn a decree (a law)?” I don’t know about you but I prefer to learn in peace and happiness. But facts don’t lie, some lessons can only be learned from afflictions. I am not an advocate for corporal punishment, but I will be the first to admit when my children were growing up I used “the rod of correction”. I’m sure at some point we all have used a chosen punishment as a form of discipline with our children.
Why, then, is it not appropriate for God to do the same with us? I love my children but God’s love is far greater than mine could ever be. So surely, He would do whatever He has to do to show us that 
love, even discipline.
We have all seen that child who regardless how many times we tell them not to do something, they test the water and try it anyway. There comes a time when you have to take “verbal command” further and provide discipline to assist with understanding your request. Are you that child? Has God told you to do something or not to do something and you did it anyway? Have you placed Him in a position where additional discipline is required?
I’ve said many times before, “what God has for you is for you” however, why do you expect God to continuously reward you when you aren’t obeying His commands? Now don’t get all uptight, God is not like man, He will provide you with your needs in spite of you. The bible says He provides rain on the just and the unjust. But just think what He provides for those who obey His commands and live according to His will. One of my favorite verses is Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Another version says “no good thing will be withheld from those that walk with integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. God wants you to have the best of the best BUT He wants you to live a life of integrity.
So I have found another “favorite” verse. Although, I don’t like afflictions – I can look at them as God’s way of teaching me, of loving me, of correcting me. I know those afflictions are striping away my own desires and helping find His. They are helping me grow into the person He desires me to be.
Until Next Time,
