“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” Ps. 119:71-72. Lord, in 2011, I wrote in my Bible that this is my testimony. Remembering the battle that had just been won in my life, I know this was true. I look at that now, after having fought for 4 1/2 years with physical mysteries and I notice my heart is a bit hardened towards those words. I don’t like being afflicted.
But Lord, You have indeed dealt well with me. According to Your Word, You have walked with me through the valley of the shadow of death. You have been my comfort. You have led me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. You have been my shepherd who restores. You have been a place of refuge. You have turned me away from the snares of death. And I thank You.
Surely I can have strong confidence in the One who does all those things. Surely I can rest on the promises of the One who is consistently faithful. Although there have been times of tearing in my life, I have also seen healing. When I focus my thoughts on You, I see promise. Isn’t that what Your Word encourages us to do? Pr. 14:14 says, “A good man will be satisfied from above.” Col. 3:1-2 says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set Your mind on things above, not on things on earth.”
Lord, help me set my sights on You and, according to Your Word, let Your peace rule in my heart, causing me to be thankful. Would I have desired to seek You so had I not been afflicted? If everything were going my way, would I need a Provider? Were my body to be in perfect shape, would I consult the Healer? If I weren’t in pain, would I run after my Father, seeking comfort and peace? Perhaps not.
Lord, with prudence, help me as I consider well my steps. As I walk out this affliction day by day, let my focus remain on the One who is good and who does good. Let my eyes stay fixed on the One who does not cast off His people, nor forsake His inheritance. Let my trust be in the One who anoints my head with oil, and causes my cup to run over. Let my cries be sent out to the One who hears my voice from His temple. Let my tears be entrusted with the One who puts them in His bottle, treasuring my heart’s loyalty and trust in Him.
Lord, the care You take of me, the salvation You’ve given, and the promises You keep in Your faithfulness…surely those things are worth more than thousands of coins of gold and silver. Thank You, Lord.
I love you,
jamie
considering the word 