TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
Psalm 119:71 IT IS GOOD for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.
Some months ago, I would have asked myself, “am I able to make the same confession that the Psalmist made” and probably would have been hesitant in making such affirmation, but in hindsight and by experience, we begin to understand Father’s intentions for us in the circumstances experienced day by day.
It helps to understand why the Psalmist made this comment. In verse 67 of this chapter, it points out that some digression obviously incurred a particular affliction to educate the Psalmist to appreciate and value His statutes.
The Septuagint phrases it this way, “Before I was humbled” in place of the word “afflicted”, and the Bible dictionary definitions broaden the meanings of “AFFLICTED”, taking it beyond the suffering of physical ailments, to which we so casually apply this verse.
But then, if we skip forward to verse 75, the “AWARENESS” of God’s providence is acknowledged, stating,” IN FAITHFULNESS You have afflicted me”, or maybe better understood as “disciplined me”.
Psalm 119:75 I KNOW, O Lord, that Your judgments are right and righteous, and that IN FAITHFULNESS You have afflicted me
The term “IN FAITHFULNESS” also is so incredibly significant, it shows again that He always has my best interest at heart, it is not by chance or coincidence, whatever the “AFFLICTION”, it was tailor-made for me “IN FAITHFULNESS”, I am never out of his sight and care. (Hebrews 4:13)
We often presumptuously question God’s dealings when all we need is firstly to acknowledge “HIS FAITHFULNESS” and secondly “that I might LEARN Thy statutes “.
Again, the word “LEARN” is replaced in verse 73 by, “give me UNDERSTANDING that I may “LEARN” your commandments”. Now, whether it be “LEARN” or “UNDERSTAND”, both precede EXPERIENCE, the affliction, the discipline that brings us closer to the Lord. In this context, Romans 5:3 assumes new proportions, stating that the “AFFLICTIONS” are a necessary element of “PATIENCE”, and which Hebrews says we are obviously short of and desperately need! And these “AFFLICTIONS” are a cause for rejoicing because of the fruit they produce. These are good reasons to “TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION”.
Romans 5:3 Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, KNOWING that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.
Hebrews 10:36 For YOU HAVE NEED OF steadfast patience and endurance, SO THAT you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
David had learned early on the value of “adhering, trust and relying” (the acronym ATR). In verse 66, he confirms he has been practising this skill.
Psalm 119:66 TEACH ME (Maybe by “Affliction”? .. comment mine) good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, FOR I HAVE believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to) Your commandments.
The events following in verse 67 and verse 71 reinforce that no matter how we think we have developed our relationship with the Lord, there are more and deeper and broader expanses, often exposed to us by “AFFLICTION”.
David acknowledges the timescale involved, or the “circumstances” encountered and realised he had obviously digressed. But then he goes on to acknowledge that his “AFFLICTION” was good for him, just as it is good for us, for we not only appreciate God’s Word but have also experienced God’s Word, and that experience results in understanding, or the benefit of “EXPERIENCE”.
Psalm 119:67 BEFORE I WAS AFFLICTED I WENT ASTRAY, BUT NOW Your word do I keep [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it].
Psalm 119:71 IT IS GOOD FOR ME that I have been afflicted, that I might LEARN Your statutes.
This “LEARN” is not just a recital of Scripture but a reality. Notice the outcome of verse 67, a perpetuation of deep meditation that produces the obedience called “FAITH”.
In verse 69, the affliction David faced was probably slander when he says, “The arrogant and godless have put together a lie against me”. We must reflect on this affliction “species” because our life of contrast (Ephesians 5:11) will educe such behaviour patterns from those who observe us.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you WHEN (Note it is “WHEN” not “IF” .. comments mine) people revile you and persecute you and say ALL KINDS OF EVIL THINGS against you falsely on My account.
Our “outward condition” is the one under discipline, whether it be physical, emotional, economic or any other obscure aspect of our circumstance. This only becomes a “reality” when our “adherence, trust and reliance” (ATR) has been tested and proved. Without “Endurance, steadfastness and Patience” together with “adherence, trust and rely”, we have only a “CONFESSION”, where we are expected to be a “DEMONSTRATION”.
Matthew 5:11 constitutes a “REPUTATIONAL AFFLICTION”, but it is not to destroy us but to “HUMBLE us” and is the replacement word for “AFFLICTION”. David said in his words, “it was good for him”, Matthew says in his words, “blessed happy to be envied and spiritually profitable with life joy and satisfaction” as the parallel term for “good for me”, quite an impressive progression.
However, the instruction in verse 12 is essential, “Be GLAD and supremely joyful”, and this leaves no room to question, resent, complain, resist or any other negative reaction to “God’s Faithfulness”.
When we “learn by experience”, then the appreciation of God’s Word deepens, no longer just words on a page but an engraving on our heart and with lasting results.
And the BALM OF GILEAD, that fragrant oleoresin, that precious ointment which in “AFFLICTION” or “DISCIPLINE” or “TEACHING” is the comfort of His statutes and commandments is applied as we emulate the Psalmist in verse 78, “I will MEDITATE on Your precepts. This is how we “TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION.”
Psalm 1:2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
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Ross Smith 