April 21, 2021
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that the Lord has given you for today, is from Psalm 119:71 “David says, It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may know your statutes”.
My Dear Brothers And Sisters, from the above context we understand that David, was the anointed king of Judah. But He was chased by his own uncle and the king of Israel, namely Saul. So most of his days were spent in the deep woods and in the mountains with his band of supporters. Even during his younger days, he was despised by his own father and brothers, He was a shepherd, taking care of his father’s sheep. But God chose him and anointed him to be the king, after king Saul. In fact he was mistreated by others. His wife Michal was given in marriage to another man Palti, while David was hiding in the woods, in fear of king Saul. Secondly he was always chased by king Saul after he had won the battle with the Philistine giant Goliath. People applauded him over his victory but Saul became jealous. And wanted to somehow kill him. His own son Absalom rebelled against him. But he was killed in the battle against the Philistines. Thus we see how he was afflicted in his life, and so he says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may know your statutes.”
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, Anything that will lead a man to obey God is a blessing and a favour. Whatever leads a sinner to secure the salvation of his soul is a gain to him. No matter what it may cost; no matter what he may be required to give up; no matter to what persecutions and troubles it may expose him; no matter what he may suffer, or how long he may suffer, no matter though poverty, contempt, or may be the consequence of his sufferings, yet it is a gain to him; and he will be thankful for it in the end – for nothing that can be endured in this life can be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us in heaven.” Therefore David says, “It was good for me to have been afflicted.” For God always, expects us to walk in the ways of God.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, Lettie Burd Cowman who wrote the Daily Devotion “ Streams in the Desert,” herself admitted that the dark period of her life were the most closest, moment of time with God. Lettie Cowman faced an incredible trial while her husband, Charles Cowman was in his sick bed. This is the time she wrote her master piece namely “ Streams in the Desert” and “Springs in the Valley.” You too might be going through such hardship. But Remember God has dealt with you better than you deserve. For He does everything out of His love for you. and for your good. Many have knowledge, but little judgment; those who have both, are made stronger against the snares of Satan, and made fit for the service of God. You are often most tempted to wander away from God, when you find yourself free and easy in the world. You should leave your concerns to the disposal of God, for you know not, what is good for you. Say unto the Lord “ Lord, You are our bountiful Benefactor; incline our hearts to faith and obedience.” Because the proud are full of the world, and its wealth and pleasures; make them senseless, secure, and stupid. God visits such people with affliction, that they may learn his statutes.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, Are you going through affliction.? Has the second wave of Corona attacked your dear one? Have you lost someone in your family? Are you going through heavy loss in your business? Is someone causing disturbance to you at your work spot? Are you being despised because your are dark in complexion? Are you not able to cope up with city lifestyle? Is someone ragging you for silly reason? Do you feel like ending up your life? Well remember God loves you all the more, For it is He who has created you and not you yourself. Whatever may have been the form of your affliction, understand that God has allowed the affliction for the good of your life. Only then you begin to draw closer to God. You begin to read the word of God, You might spend more time in prayer. It would have been good for you, as it was good for David. And this will be the experience of all the righteous. And this is the time, when you learn from the scriptures, the commandments of God. For this is the tendency of affliction; and this is an advantage and a good experience to anyone who goes through affliction. Take it in good spirit though it is often difficult but the end will be glorious. God Bless You.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Lord we thank you for making us to understand that affliction in one’s life is for his own benefit. Give us the strength to bear it patiently. Help us to be like David, for even though he was despised, he acknowledged God as his Master and Saviour of his life. May we draw close to God when we go through affliction rather than refrain, ourselves from Him and engage in worldly vices.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
