READ Psalm 119:65–72. 65 Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD. 66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
THE SCHOOL OF SUFFERING. Suffering is a school where students learn things about themselves, about God, and about life that they would never have learned without it (verses 66–67). Looking back on the priceless lessons he learned, the sufferer is able to say to the one who appointed it all, “You are good, and what you do is good” (verse 68, cf. verses 65 and 71). If we go through this school immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we develop real sensitivity of heart (verse 70) and our eyes are opened to see unthought-of treasures in the Bible itself (verse 72). How remarkable that, with the Word of God, a sufferer can come through it all deeper, wiser, richer, more loving, and even happier.
Prayer: Lord, you call yourself teacher and Lord, but I am such a slow pupil! I grit my teeth through my troubles as I wait for them to pass. Instead, every time something bad happens, help me to ask, “Is there anything I should be learning here?” Show me the way. Amen.