Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

Here is someone that is far above me in their Christian life.  I still whine and cry when bad things come my way.  I stick out my bottom lip and throw a pity party.  This is a lonely part as it is only attended by one (me) and sometimes two (the devil).  We all want to think that we are some super spiritual person that can handle anything.  Wrong!

The focus of Psalm 119 is God’s Word.  I know that the Word of God is vital to our Christian life.  If we don’t spend time reading and studying the Word we will not become strong like God wants for us.

Every time I read this verse I think of a sheep who will not stay with the others.  The shepherd has to break a leg so that it will stop running away.  The shepherd carries this sheep and cares for it.  Through this less than pleasant experience this sheep learns not to run away.  If the other sheep were smart they would learn from those who have experienced this.  That is why they are sheep and not something smarter.  No wonder the Bible compares us to sheep.

As you reflect on your life today what do you think about those unpleasant times in life.  Did you just go through them or did you grow through them.  It is our choice.

Maybe one day we can say as the writer in Psalm 119:98-100, “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.”  Unfortunately, I am further away from this than I would like to be.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 119; Proverbs 31