Psalms 119:67-72
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 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.” Psalms 119:67-72 NIV
Seeking and knowing God’s Word will guide us in what is best for our lives. It will teach us how to live a life that will last for eternity. How does God teach us His commandments? The Psalmist says in verse 67 that before he was afflicted he went astray. After this affliction from God, however, he kept God's Word.
We are very hesitant to consider that the difficulties and griefs we experience may actually be from God so that He will cause us to return to obedience of His commands. Like a father, God may afflict His people, but He is truly good to us and only sends afflictions to return us to His Word.
Even though we know that we are happiest when living in obedience to God, we are so quickly tempted to turn away from His Word due to the wickedness all around us and the wickedness that is so prevalent in our own heart. The proud forge lies against us to turn us away from God, but we are protected by God's Word. The proper response to affliction from God is revealed in verse 71: It is good for us to be afflicted because we then learn God's statutes. Through experiences such as these we learn to love God's law more and more.
Look at the amazing testimony in verse 72: “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” Money is something that seems to be needed by everyone. In order to purchase needed food, clothing or housing a person needs money. Because of this, people work hard to get it. They will put in long, hard hours to get the necessary money to pay for various needs.
Our goal as Christians should not be to win the lottery, but rather to grow as Christians so that we learn to love God's Word more than all of the money in the world. We are truly rich in the treasures of God. For a believer there is something different that is gained that the world cannot know or understand. That something is real life.
All the things that money can buy are temporary and will go away or fall apart. God’s Word is eternal. God’s Word gives us direction in how to really live life to the fullest. It teaches us how to have contentment and fulfillment in this life!!!
Father, thank You for this day and for all You give us throughout Your Word and presence. Let Your abundant blessings fall like rain upon my friend and family today. Lord help us to embrace our faith to deal with the various trials and to overcome the temptations we face today and every day. We ask that You give us knowledge and good judgment so we can be what You want us to be. Lord, thank You for our spiritual family and the help they give us each day. Lord, use us to boldly proclaim the good news of Your saving grace to those in need of it today. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You. Amen. !
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