Wednesday... Now this is not the way we usually think.

We usually look at the bad things in our life and see how they harm us. We see no good in them. But the writer of Psalm 119:71 (NLT) says, "My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your degrees." And then verse 72, "Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver."

Have you found that God's Word speaks loudly in trouble? At least it does if we go to it and read it and meditate on it. The problem is that suffering can take us to a time of self-pity instead of maturing.

Now the Psalmist starts in verse 65 by saying, "You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised." Now that is a great place to start. Verses 66, "I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgement and knowledge."

He goes on, verses 67-68 says, "I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees."

What are you going through? Could this be a great way for you to view it? Verses 67 & 68 in the Amplified Bible says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep and honor Your word [with loving obedience]. You are good and do good; Teach me your statutes." You see, what we are going through has a purpose behind it.

He then shares what he is going through. Verses 69-70 (NLT) says, "Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions." That's how God wants us to handle it.

And verses 71-72 in the New International Version says, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold."

Now that is the way that God would have us to think. Yes, yes! #todaysbeginning

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