Instances of suffering are often the places where we ask questions of the faith. Yet, strangely enough, suffering is also the context where we find sweeter fellowship with the Lord. The loss of a job leads to more mindful dependence on God. The health diagnosis reminds the person that God is the one who can heal or is the one who numbers our days. We misunderstand what it means that God deals well with us if we look at our circumstances as the determinator. Rather, the indicator of His dealings is the deepening relationship He has with His people. We need to hear that truth from God’s Word. We need to be taught that because afflictions will come and when the temptations to stray present themselves, the question will be: Will we keep God’s Word? The way we answer that will reveal what we believe, specifically about God. The psalmist teaches us to believe the goodness of God. God’s very character (“You are good”) is evidenced by His works (“and do good”) (verse 68). It means to not buy into the lies that go against what God’s Word says about God despite our circumstances and trials. Verse 71 hits home what it means to keep God’s Word with your whole heart in the midst of suffering, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” The goodness of God changes our perspective to see how affliction can be for our good.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have your times of suffering challenged your view of God?
2. How does trusting in God’s goodness change your perspective of trials being for your good?