A Theology of Suffering in a Nutshell

Psalm 119 brings joy to my heart by speaking of how God’s Word impacts all of life.

While the length of this psalm is often a joke for Bible nerds like me, the depth of this psalm also amazes me. It shares many positive emotions of how God’s Word transforms us but doesn’t stop there—it reveals how God’s Word serves as a ballast to steady afflicted souls.

According to Psalm 119, we can rejoice in our affliction when…

…we realize God’s Word revives and comforts.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” (Psalm 119:50)

…affliction teaches us obedience.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” (Psalm 119:67)

…we realize it is good for us because it teaches us God’s ways.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)

…we contemplate the faithfulness of God in afflicting us.

“I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” (Psalm 119:75)

…we delight in God’s Word and rejoice in His grace.

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” (Psalm 119:92)

…we remember God hears the prayers of His afflicted children.

“I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!” (Psalm 119:107)

“Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.” (Psalm 119:153)

What a mysterious and glorious God we have! He brings us through tough times to sanctify us and form us into the likeness of His Son.

Instead of bemoaning our afflictions, let’s use our afflictions to our advantage by purging selfish thoughts and rejoicing that our heavenly Father loves us and has plans for us. Let’s cling to these promises like a drowning person clings to a lifesaver. Then we will pray with the psalmist, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues.