Dec 16

Affliction

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your

decrees.”  Psalm 119:71

Look back on your life and view the times you were afflicted. Did they serve a purpose in your life? Did they draw you into your Father’s presence? Did they turn your affections from the things of this earth to that which was eternal? Did they teach you that you could trust your Father? Did God bring forth self-control or patience in your life as a result of affliction? Did you learn to submit as a result of being broken? Did God teach you when you were lonely that His company was more precious than any other? Were you able to feel a special fellowship with your Savior when a loved one betrayed you? Has God drawn you closer to Himself through affliction? I know that He has done that in my life. I have come to know God through the afflictions that I have faced. I have learned that I have a faithful Father who is always there for me. I have tasted of His love and I have learned His decrees. Afflictions are not something I would choose for my life, but I know that they have made me stronger and drawn me closer to my Father and I do not regret any of them.

Father, thank You for the afflictions that You have placed in my life. They have changed me and I am grateful for that. They have taught me that You are faithful and that I can trust You in all the areas of my life. I thank You for them and pray that I might always learn quickly what You have for me to learn that I might become more like You, my beloved Father. Amen.