AFFLICTION

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

When I think of affliction, I think of the first time I remember hearing the word. Polio was the big panic when I was in my latter grade school days. A really sweet girl from our school in a couple of grades lower than mine had “caught” polio. She had to immediately be put in what was then called an “iron lung.” Even with polio, there wasn't a panic I knew of. Schools didn't close nor masks worn. I'm sure parents and teachers were watching out for us. Thank God there was a polio vaccine that came on the scene preventing a great deal of damage across the country.

I heard adults use that A-word, but just thought it was a sickness someone was going through. I know now that affliction covers anything that has to do with pain or suffering. Affliction isn't always going to be physical. There are people who are afflicted with any number of hardships, disease, pain or other troubling events. So several years ago, when I came across the above verse, it was puzzling to me. How could the Psalmist possibly see affliction as being a good thing?

Through time, I've come to understand some things first by looking at many of my past difficulties, many of which I didn't see coming. Some afflictions I also brought on myself. Ten years ago, I didn't ask for bladder cancer. When the doctor told me of it, I wish I could say that my response was “blessed be the Lord.” I was really in a state of shock. God got me through it with treatment, and in those days, I felt such a closeness to Him. That was amazing to me.

When affliction comes, no matter it's cause, it usually comes on quickly. Some circumstances may start small and grow, but many times it comes to us with a shock. Very often it comes with a phone call or a knock on our door. Mental stress brings a different kind of affliction as it is a very lonely thing, often not revealed by anyone who is afflicted with it.

The above verse from Psalm 119, seems to take on a positive look. Affliction is a time of testing God hopes will be spiritually beneficial. Our times of affliction may not be times we first think of when it comes to spiritual growth. However, that's exactly what God means for us in such times. If I've never learned much from these difficulties, I have learned one big thing. It's in my best interest to pass any test God sets before me, for if I don't pass the test, God may retest me. Retesting may be harder yet.

Whatever the affliction, God's desire in it is for us to learn more about Him and His Word. These difficult times are not times to skip spiritual activities....Sunday school, church, Bible reading and prayer and even serving others. A lady said to me: “I'm so down, if I read my Bible I'll get nothing from it.” I said to her, “Read it anyway.” Prayers may change even into complaining. God can take our being upset. He can take our venting in our prayers. After all, He knows our circumstances anyway. He won't allow any difficulty in our lives leaving us alone and helpless. When affliction passes, we'll know God so much better. That's His desire for us and so much more.

Dear Father, help us to remember that there is no affliction that can come into our lives but that it is filtered through Your loving fingers first. Strengthen us in such times. Keep us from bitterness and anger in those days. May we come to know You better through it all. Thank You for Your unconditional love. In Jesus name...Amen