Affection Amidst Affliction

How do you feel about affliction?

David wrote, “Unless Your Law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.” [1]

Amidst affliction David experienced affection from the Lord in His Word.

Amidst affliction, David became aware of how faithful the Lord had been to him.

“I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” [2]

Amidst affliction, David found hidden treasure.

“Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.” [3]

The Spirit of God came to David while others were abandoning him, and gave to him what those others, and what he himself could never have received apart from God.

“The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” [4] The Lord says, “Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My Words known to you.” [5]

Amidst affliction, David experienced the Lord’s affections for him.

So, David knew to turn to the Lord and His Word for affection amidst afflictions.

“I am afflicted very much; revive me, O Lord, according to Your Word.” [6]

The Apostle Paul had similar experiences with God. He wrote, “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” [7]

As a result of David’s experiences with God’s Word, he became jealous for it. He wrote, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.” [8]

David became sensitive to how people treated God and God’s Word. He wrote, “It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your Law as void.” [9]

He did not want people to miss out on knowing the Lord. He testified, “Great peace have those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” [10]

David asked the Lord to help him so that he could continue abiding in His Word amidst affliction. “Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.” [11]

During the first century AD, many people discovered as David did, that God is good. The Lord was happy to receive them into His fold... “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” [12]

“Thank You Lord Jesus for showing me affection when I am afflicted. Your grace is sufficient for me. Your power has turned my darkness into light. I have power to live well. Thanks to You!”

[1] Psalm 119:92
[2] Psalm 119:75
[3] Psalm 119:143
[4] Psalm 119:130
[5] Proverbs 1:23
[6] Psalm 119:107
[7] 2 Corinthians 12:10
[8] Psalm 119:104
[9] Psalm 119:126
[10] Psalm 119:165
[11] Psalm 119:173
[12] Acts 2:47