Psalm 119:67, 71
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word...71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
How does a Christian interpret and cope with the trials and suffering of life? David offers some key insights in Psalm 119:50, 67, 71, 75, 92, 107, and 143. Someone has said, “Suffering is the anvil upon which the Christian life is hammered out. It is through trials that the authenticity of one’s faith is revealed, and through such tribulations that the believer’s character is refined.”[1]
Consider the following passages on suffering:
Romans 5:3–4, “But we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.”
2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.”
Philippians 1:29, “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
James 1:2–3, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
1 Peter 2:21, “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.”
Here are three principles of suffering from Psalm 119:
Suffering involves both outward and inward trials, verse 143. Inward anguish usually accompanies our outward troubles.
Suffering flows from the loving discipline of our heavenly Father, verses 67-71, 75, cf. Hebrews 12:6-11, “...He disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness.”
God’s comfort is greater than all of our suffering, verses 50, 92, 107. cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, His grace is sufficient.
*Notes from Bob's sermon on “The Reformation of Suffering,” October 10, 2021
[1] Suffering (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018).