Psalm 119:92:“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
Joseph is a prime example of facing affliction in life and how he correctly responded to each setback. He didn’t ask why? Joseph’s training involved first being a slave and then a prisoner. He amazingly transformed each setback to a step forward. His approach was, “What shall I do now?” Because of Joseph’s humble and obedient spirit, others acknowledged that God was with Joseph, as Genesis 41:38-39 states: “And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.”
We all have seen the devastation of tropical storm Irma in Florida on the news. One of our suppliers from my work is off line in Georgia, for production runs and closed last week Friday, for their employees to prepare to take care of their homes. We have not been given a date when they will reopen yet. These people have experienced affliction in not being able to work due to record flooding and protecting their homes.
According to the National Hurricane center, this is the first time on record two category four landfalls occurred in the continental United States, in the same hurricane season, much less within 16 days.
I see “affliction” all around our world. The North Korean government threatened on Thursday to use nuclear weapons on Japan, and fired a ballistic missile, and then the second one was launched early this morning, that landed in the Pacific Ocean. There also was a threat made against the the U.S. to reduce us to ashes and darkness. A new headline this morning reported at least 18 people injured in a London subway bombing called a ‘terrorist incident.’ This reminds me of Matthew 24:6: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” Affliction is mounting threatening political peace and safety.
Several friends of mine are experiencing critical health conditions. Physical affliction is being experienced with unclear diagnoses.
“We do not go to the Bible to escape the realities of life but to be strengthened to face life and serve God effectively. We may not be able to delight in what is going on in the world, but we can delight in what God says in His Word.” Warren Wiersbe, “Be Exultant. Praising God For His Mighty Works.”
The word “affliction” is used 66 times in the ESV. A few examples are:
Psalm 25:16, David cried out: “Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.”
Psalm 119:50: “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
Psalm 119:92, is what I call my signature verse: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” My prayer then became, “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before, and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” “Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial.” Linda Killian.
2 Corinthians 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
2 Thessalonians 1:5-6: “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering – since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.”
Job’s greatest test was not knowing why he suffered affliction.
Jesus faced the greatest suffering of all, which is why He can identify with our sorrows and weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15.
Paul was in prison, and yet he used the situation to advance the gospel of Christ.
John Piper has listed four reasons affliction helps us learn and obey the word of God:
- Affliction takes away the glibness of life and makes us more serious, so that our mindset is more in tune with the seriousness of God’s word.
- Affliction knocks worldly props from under us and forces us to rely more on God, which brings us more in tune with the aim of the word. Romans 15:4: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
- Affliction makes us search the Scriptures with greater desperation for help, rather than treating it as marginal to life. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.
- Affliction brings us into the partnership of Christ’s sufferings, so that we fellowship more closely with him and see the world more readily through his eyes.
Questions:
What can afflictions teach you?
How does your reaction to adverse circumstances reveal what you believe?
Can others see God in you from the encouragement He gives you through His Word, that gives you hope?
I ask myself, can others see God in me by my kind words, merciful acts, and wise advice? I admit I often complain (the Bible calls it “murmuring”) and stew when yet another unpleasant ordeal arises. My Pastor Todd Smith recently said in a sermon on Exodus 16: “Grumbling keeps you from listening to God.” Patience and staying positive is not always my strong point. I am convicted. I have such a long way to go in this area!
“God increase my faith and help my life to reflect Your infinite grace. My hope is in You. Amen.”
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Chuck Swindoll.
Listen to the Newsboys song “That’s How You Change the World.” Who needs to receive a smile or act of kindness from you today so they can see your hope displayed?