It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
The psalm in which this verse stands exalts God's law and points out its sacredness. That law is to be the rule of life, and study of God's Word teaches the principles of righteousness and distinguishes right from wrong and truth from error. The psalm is to be read with solemn earnestness as testimony that the wickedness of the world has reached the point where the Lord will certainly interfere.
It is good to have been afflicted because affliction teaches God's statutes. Adversity is a discipline meant to strengthen faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness, and trust in God, and is not a reason to mourn over God's providence. Affliction can loosen dependence on earthly support and lead to greater and more continual trust in the Savior.
Trials and losses purify and refine the afflicted person and prepare and fit them for immortality. Affliction can be a mercy for good, in that even childhood affliction can turn the heart away from the world and its unsatisfying pleasures and incline it toward heaven's lasting and enduring attractions. In deep sorrow God gives rich grace and tokens of grace with strength to endure pain, even when He does not remove it. Affliction learned in this way can lead the afflicted to praise and thanksgiving.
The psalm in which this verse stands exalts God's law and points out its sacredness. That law is to be the rule of life, and study of God's Word teaches the principles of righteousness and distinguishes right from wrong and truth from error. The psalm is to be read with solemn earnestness as testimony that the wickedness of the world has reached the point where the Lord will certainly interfere.
It is good to have been afflicted because affliction teaches God's statutes. Adversity is a discipline meant to strengthen faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness, and trust in God, and is not a reason to mourn over God's providence. Affliction can loosen dependence on earthly support and lead to greater and more continual trust in the Savior.
Trials and losses purify and refine the afflicted person and prepare and fit them for immortality. Affliction can be a mercy for good, in that even childhood affliction can turn the heart away from the world and its unsatisfying pleasures and incline it toward heaven's lasting and enduring attractions. In deep sorrow God gives rich grace and tokens of grace with strength to endure pain, even when He does not remove it. Affliction learned in this way can lead the afflicted to praise and thanksgiving.