Strengthened by His word
You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalms 119:65-72
From the text, the Psalmist provided an example on how valuable the word of God in the life of a believer. As he was going through trials in life, he prayed that God will help him not to wander away from His teachings. This is important because when we are going through trying times, we find it difficult to delight in His word. Just like a conceited person, we think that we do not deserve the difficulties we are dealing. This mindset is more intensified when you start to look around and realize that there are those that are supposed to be in your situation yet they seemed to be doing well. All the more you are overwhelmed and bitterness starts to seethe through your heart. You would rather God provides you an easy life. You are not longing to wake up in the morning confronted with hardship in life. The Psalmist understood that God uses times of trials so he will grow in his faith. He realized that times of afflictions are God’s ways of helping him experience the truthfulness of His word as he claims the promises provided in it. Understanding and applying God’s word is what helps a follower of God strengthened in times of trials. This is what the Psalmist prayed for; “teach me your decrees.” He knew that God intended for him only what is good. His word will help us make wise decisions when confronted with difficulties in life. Even though we would prefer relief rather than prolonging times of afflictions, but God intended for us to learn how to trust Him. It is better to obey Him during times of suffering. Just like the Psalmist, we have to accept the fact that it was through affliction that will bring us back to our senses so we would go back to God. “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word” (Psalms 119:67). When you think that absence of difficulties in life is the measure of success and happiness, you will be heading for a fall. This mindset will bring you to a life of pride. You will start to trust yourself more as the source of your sufficiency. The word of God will teach you to humble yourself to God so that when afflicted you will realize that there is no one to turn to except God and His word.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
