Physical and emotional hedonism are wildly popular philosophies in our world. Anything that feels good or that gives me pleasure is believed to be desirable; everything that does not ought to be avoided. Psalm 119:67 clearly contradicts this mindset. “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep your Word.” Afflictions are a blessing when:
- They make you wiser.
- They reveal hidden imperfections in your heart and/or faith.
- They prompt you to purge sin from your life.
- They increase your appetite for prayer and spiritual pursuits.
- They decrease your love of the world.
- They motive you to draw closer to God.
- They intensify your determination to obey God more precisely and promptly.
- They allow you to have greater fellowship with Christ and His sufferings.
“…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered…For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 5:8; 12:6).
Many rich blessings are found in the furnace of affliction!
