It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Ps. 119:71
Heavenly Father, only a humble certainty about your love, and passion for your glory, could have moved King David to praise you for the “goodness” of affliction. Such a notion seems like foolishness (even evil), in our culture of entitlement and ease.
Many of us were taught (and still are) if we claimed the right verses, prayed the right prayers, only spoke positive confessions, our lives would be filled with prosperity, and devoid of difficulties. Escaping discomfort, not learning your decrees; conformity to a culture of affluence, not conformity to the image of Jesus, drive this Gospel-less, me-centered spirituality. Have mercy.
Father, because Jesus took the judgment we deserve, you only discipline us as your beloved children. Afflictions in this life are light and momentary, compared to the magnificent future Jesus has secured for us (Rom. 8:17-18). They are achieving for us (not earning) a weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17). Help us understand this, perhaps even through the duration of COVID.
Because Jesus fulfilled the law for us, your decrees are a source of delight, not dread, Father. They are a light and lamp for our journey (Ps. 119:105), not rules and a scorecard. Lead us today, by them, into the riches of your grace, the privilege of servanthood, and the hope of Jesus’ return. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ kind and triumphant name.