Psalm 119:65-72

Affliction reveals what we are like and how we view God.  It is most common to complain about our trials, or to exalt our pain by constant reference to it.  But these reactions reveal self-centeredness and call into question God’s goodness to us.  

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden (Gen. 3) they did so because they doubted God’s goodness.  God had given them all they needed, and had at the same time denied them access to one tree in the garden.  By eating the forbidden fruit they showed they could not trust God’s goodness.

In your response to affliction are you trusting God’s goodness?  That is what this stanza is about.  There is no question the Psalmist is in a difficult situation.  And yet his opening words are, “You have dealt well with Your servant (v65).”  He proclaims without holding back that God is good and does good (v68).  (This stanza is a great illustration of the oft quoted promise of Rom. 8:28.)

These are not just pious words without content.  He means it!

·        67: his affliction has increased his obedience.

·        71: he has learned God’s word in a whole new and deeper way.

·        72: even though his trial has been expensive he doesn’t feel the loss because God’s word has become more precious to him.

Most people don’t share the priorities of the Psalmist, that insight into God’s word and obedience to it should be more valuable than “gold and silver”.  Rather they are among the proud whose hearts are “as fat as grease” (v69-70).  The picture is of those who are hell-bent on a life of ease or luxury.  At best their relationship with God is bound up in constant requests to be free of sickness or poverty or persecution.  They would never pray, in their trials, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge” (v66).  

Let us not miss a key to this belief in God’s goodness during the days of darkness.  The Psalmist has a view of himself which is perfect: he is God’s servant (v65).  He acknowledges 2 things by that title.  First, God is the Sovereign Lord who has absolute power over His creation.  Second, God is a gracious and loving Lord.  Thus he trusts God’s lordship over him.  

How has God’s goodness been evident in your trial?  Are you growing deeper in His word?