“Afflictions are a golden key…” –Thomas Brooks
It is entirely natural to run away from any affliction or difficulty that might come across your path. It is completely supernatural to rest in the Lord while passing through that same affliction. Rev. Henry Newcome knew that truth and journaled about it during a moment of profound self-examination. He asked “What afflictions would God have done me good by?” Another way of stating it is, what is God trying to accomplish in me or teach me through my current trial? Newcome’s season of affliction was going to reap a harvest of righteousness for him if he had ears to hear what the Lord was trying, through His word, to teach him. The author of Psalm 119 comprehended this truth and he penned:
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes. (Psalm 119:67-71)
The psalmist realized that his afflictions offered him an opportunity that ease never could. His adversity could bring spiritual dividends that prosperity never paid out. Thomas Brooks noted, “Afflictions are a golden key, by which the Lord opens the rich treasures of his word to his people’s souls.” [Thomas Brooks, The Mute Christian, iv.] The Word of God, with all of its absolute and conditional promises, is a well of comfort for the spiritually-parched. The psalmist rejoiced in this truth, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” (Psalm 119:50) Today, take comfort in the promises of God. Meditate on his Word and you will soon discover strength and courage to face your difficulties. Have a blessed week and we will see you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale