A Look at Psalm 119:71

Psalm 119:71 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
 

Can you say along with David that affliction is a good thing? David said it was good because it caused him to learn more things about God. We tend to believe that our comfort is more important than anything else. When you stand before God, what is it that will give you peace of mind; the comfort you lived in, or your obedience to God? We must come to the realization that nothing is more important than obedience to God. As I have said many time, He is far more concerned about our character than our comfort.
 

1 Timothy 1:19 says, “Holding on to faith and good (clear) conscience. Some have rejected these and shipwrecked their faith.” If I have learned anything about the prayer life, it’s the clear conscience one develops from it.  Many times prayer is simply hard work. I don’t always have the sensation that my prayers are even being answered. However, the one thing I always feel is the satisfaction a clear conscience gives me.
 

Consistency in our obedience and in our pursuit of God is what gives us a clear conscience. Without a clear conscience, we shipwreck our faith. Without faith, we cannot please God – Hebrews 11:6. When we stand before God, our obedience to Him is what will give us peace of mind.
 

Not until we see the great need for, and benefit of, obedience to God will we ever have a proper perspective of affliction. The apostle Paul wrote about the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. He said that the intimate knowledge of Christ gained through suffering was worth more than all the gold in the world. He said everything outside of fellowship with God is worthless. Therefore, fellowship with Him is the essence of life. If affliction brings us into a greater intimacy with God, then it is a good thing.
 

Take some time to let this verse sink in – chew/meditate on it; know that fellowship with HIM is more important than your comfort.

Continued