The Afflictions of the Godly # 2

The Afflictions of the Godly # 2

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted" (Psalm 119:71). God has many ways of afflicting. In the context, David mentions those who had opposed and maligned him. At the time - he may have felt it keenly - but later - he realized it was a mercy. It is good for us - when we have solid reason to make this acknowledgement.

What is our chief "good?" Is it not the enjoyment of God? Then how thankful should we be for anything which draws us nearer unto Him! "LORD, in trouble have they visited you, they poured out a prayer when your chastening was upon them" (Isaiah 26:16). God is then sought unto more earnestly and persistently. When settled on our lees, our devotions are very apt to become formal and mechanical - but when our nest is disturbed, we "pour out a prayer" or a "secret speech" - that is the groanings of the heart. Sanctified afflictions wean us from the creature, make the conscience more tender, call into exercise our graces, and quicken us in the path of duty. If we can discover such beneficial effects, must we not exclaim, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted!"

"I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that You in faithfulness have afflicted me." This is the language of discernment. "Judgments" here refer not to the equitable laws of God - but to His governmental dealings - in punishing the wicked - or in correcting His people. Nor was David speaking of the knowledge of carnal reason - but of that which faith and a spiritual experience supplies. He condemned himself, acknowledging that his waywardness had called for the rod.

When the empty professor is sorely afflicted, he says, "What have I done to deserve this?" Others less rebellious - but equally self-righteous, ask, "Why should I be singled out as a mark for adversity?" Very different are the sentiments of the godly: they vindicate the Lord. So far from deeming themselves to be dealt with unjustly, or ever harshly, they exonerate the hand that smites them.

The wicked do not recognize the One who is dealing with them, looking no further than secondary causes or human instruments. But the eyes of faith behold Him who is invisible: not only as a provider and comforter - but also as a chastiser and afflicter; and that, not only in love - but in righteousness: "Your judgments are right."

"You in faithfulness have afflicted me." Numerous sermons have been preached upon the faithfulness of God and many pieces written upon this divine perfection, yet few have preserved the balance thereon. It requires to be shown that God is not only true to His Word in making good His promises - but also in fulfilling His threatenings; faithful not only in providing for His people - but also in dealing with their follies. We frequently hear of God's covenant - faithfulness - but we are not so often reminded that chastisement is one of the articles in His covenant. "If His children forsake My Law, and walk not in My judgments...Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes...My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips" (Psalm 89:30-34).

"Our Father is no Eli - He will not allow His children to sin without rebuke".

Therefore, it is their duty to own His integrity while enduring His faithful discipline. This is what David here did: he acknowledged that God was fulfilling His covenant engagement, and he made that avowal not sullenly - but thankfully; yes, he made it adoringly, for he knew that God also had his welfare in view.

Now, my reader, measure yourself by what has been pointed out above. Do you say, "I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against Him" (Mic. 7:9)? Have you learned by experience that affliction is made a school to God's people, in which they learn many valuable lessons - both about themselves and God, and about their duties and privileges? Have you discovered by first-hand acquaintance, that chastisement is a beneficial medicine to subdue pride, purge of carnality, and heal backslidings? Has the rod recovered you from your wanderings? Can you say from the heart, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes" (Psalm 119:71)? Do you freely own that God's providential dealings with you - His judgments" - are right: that is, just and equitable? Yes, do you feel that God has dealt far more leniently than your iniquities deserve" (Ezra 9:13)? Do you feel that God is faithful, not only in Himself - but in smiting you? Then you have Scriptural ground for concluding that a miracle of grace has been wrought in your soul.

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)