The Afflictions of the Godly # 1

The Afflictions of the Godly # 1

For the past few years, we have endeavored to help some of God's unestablished children by devoting one article annually (under this title) to the particular end of resolving their uncertainty. In order that they may recognize their spiritual portrait, we seek to describe one or other of those features of the regenerate which the Holy Spirit has drawn in the Scriptures. So far from despising those who are deeply exercised as to their actual state, refusing to "give themselves the benefit of the doubt", we admire their caution.

God has exhorted His people to "make their calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10), and one of the ways we may set about doing so is to prayerfully and humbly compare our hearts and lives - with those marks of grace, or fruits of the Spirit, which are delineated in the Bible. God's Word is likened unto a "mirror" in which we may behold ourselves (James 1:23-24) and perceive what we are by nature - and what we have been made by grace. May each of us be granted eyes to see ourselves as that divine Mirror represents us.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray - but now have I kept your word."

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes."

"I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted me" (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75). 

We link these three verses together because they treat of the same subject, namely the attitude of the heart of one who had been afflicted by God.  Each of them breathes the language of a gracious soul, and not that of a natural man. Each of them acknowledges the beneficial effects of sanctified trials. Each of them evidences a humble heart, for so far from murmuring at God's dispensations - unpleasant though they be to flesh and blood - there is a grateful acknowledgement of their benevolent design. Each of them is a confession made not while smarting under the rod - but after it has done its appointed work.

If our readers can truthfully make such language their own, then they have good reason to conclude they are bound in the same "bundle of life" (1 Sam. 25:29) as David.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray - but now have I kept your word." This is the expression of an honest heart, for it freely owns that before affliction he had "gone astray." Since the "flesh" still remains in the Christian's heart, he is very prone to stray from God; yes, unless he is diligent in watching and praying against temptation and daily mortifying his lusts - he is certain to do so. That evil tendency is much stimulated by temporal success, for then we are far more apt to indulge the flesh - than deny it. "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: you are waxen fat, you are grown thick, you are covered with fatness; then he forsook God" ( Deu. 32:15). "I spoke unto you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear" (Jere. 22:21). By such backsliding, we bring down upon ourselves the rod of God - to curb further excesses of carnality, and to drive us back into the paths of righteousness. God often sends a worm to smite the gourd of our creature comforts (Jonah 4:7); and prosperity is followed by adversity; but if that affliction is blessed to us - then do we keep the Word as we did not previously (Luke 2:19).

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes."  This is the breathing of a grateful heart. Very different is the sentiment of the natural man. Scripture declares, "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects" (Job 5:17) - but the world imagines that happy is he who is exempt from trials and troubles. Which do you agree with, my reader? Yet it is one thing to give a general assent to the inspired declaration, "Blessed is the man whom you chasten, O Lord, and teach out of your law" (Psalm 94:12) - but it is quite another to learn by experience, the benefits of affliction. To be merely reconciled to our tribulations is a great mercy - but to have personal proof that, though the medicine be unpalatable, its effects are beneficial, is yet better.

Such is the result in those who are "exercised" under the chastening hand of their Father (Heb. 12:11). "The Philistines could not understand Samson's riddle - how "Out of the eater came something to eat - and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). As little can the world comprehend the fruitfulness of the Christian's trials: how his gracious Lord sweetens the "bitter" waters of Marah (Ex. 15:23)".

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)