Teth ט: Blessings of God’s word in afflictions
Psalm 119:65-72 (Part 9)
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
When the afflictions come, most of us are going away from God. How do we protect ourselves from God in times of affliction? The psalmist answers this question in this section.
1. Praise and prayer for teaching God’s word in times of affliction (Psalm 119:65-66).
- The psalmist expresses gratitude for God's dealings, highlighting how his experiences are rooted in God's word. He reflects on his journey from an ordinary shepherd to a king, guided by God's teachings.
- He fervently prays for wisdom, recognizing its importance for a blessed life. Seeking God's guidance for good judgment and knowledge, he acknowledges that these blessings come through God's commandments, underscoring the significance of divine instruction in facing life's challenges.
2. Goodness of God’s word in times of afflictions (Psalm 119:67-68).
- The psalmist's reflection on affliction reveals the connection between suffering and spiritual growth. He acknowledges that his struggles result from straying from God's path and consistently turns to the Word for guidance.
- Afflictions, while painful, serve as reminders to seek God's goodness, often revealed through Scripture. The imagery of a thorn hedge illustrates God's protective nature, even when it feels restrictive. In seeking prosperity, we may be tempted to stray from His teachings.
- The psalmist’s plea for divine wisdom emphasizes the importance of God's Word, especially in trials. Embracing it equips us to face afflictions and reaffirms that God is good and acts in our best interest.
3. Keeping God’s word in times of afflictions (Psalm 119:69-70).
- The psalmist expresses the pain of slander and deceit from proud enemies who seek to undermine him. Their arrogance and insensitivity are evident, yet he remains steadfast in his faith and devotion to God's word. Rather than allowing negativity to affect him, he finds strength and joy in scripture, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus on God during trials. This serves as a reminder to anchor ourselves in faith when faced with opposition.
4. Appreciation of God’s word in times of afflictions (Psalm 119:71-72).
- The psalmist realizes that afflictions can distract us from God. In times of trouble, he seeks wisdom in God's word, valuing it more than material wealth. Rather than seeking easy comfort, he finds strength in struggles. God's word becomes a cherished source of sweetness and reassurance, guiding him through life's challenges.
Conclusion
Afflictions can lead us to distance ourselves from God, but we often cannot draw near through our own strength. Instead, God's word provides the wisdom and guidance we need to stay close. In times of suffering, let us cherish Scripture, as it leads us back to God, offering comfort and strength.