Affliction

I spent some time in Psalm 119 this morning, and it was interesting to me to put together the verses that talk about affliction. I’ve assembled them in a sort of chronology of suffering.

In the middle of suffering, a cry for help

¹⁰⁷ I am severely afflicted;

give me life, O Lord, according to your word!

Our instinctive appeal for deliverance

¹⁵³ Look on my affliction and deliver me,

for I do not forget your law.

Reflecting on the sovereign goodness of God

⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,

and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Finding comfort even as suffering continues

⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction,

that your promise gives me life.

Looking back at how God’s Word kept you going

⁹² If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

In hindsight, a learning experience

⁷¹ It is good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

Going forward, a new level of obedience and devotion

⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep your word.