December 11, 2019 - Psalm 119:71 -- Adversity and Happiness

It was good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

Psalm 119:71 English Standard Version

If you have been tracking with this series on Psalm 119, you’ll have noticed among all the other interwoven themes there is a theme-thread which shows the significance of obedience to God in our afflictions. Generally we thoroughly dislike any discomfort. If something messes with the plans we have made, such disruptions bring agitation and bad temper. In sharp contrast to the ways in which troubles and adversity commonly annoy those who are suffering, the psalmist saw affliction in a different light. He called affliction good because it directed his heart upwards to the Living God.

The statutes of God are His rules for godly living. The statutes of God are not intuitive. In fact, the heart of sinful man—our sinful hearts—will always be inclined towards evil—away from God and His goodness. Affliction, adversity, and the troubles we encounter in life serve the purpose of lifting our eyes to the King of Glory Who loves His people and is willing and able to deliver us.

A few days ago I was listening to a talk given by Ravi Zacharias. He noted how people all around are seeking happiness. Zacharias said that when he turns his attention to the Son, in his shadow, closely following behind is happiness. When he turns his back on the Son and chases happiness, the shadow gets longer and further from him and happiness is elusive.

What a great illustration for us today. Adversity shows us where we’re headed. If we have turned our backs to the Son in order to chase happiness, we will soon get cold, irritated and lost as we chase what is elusive. However, when we turn and face the Son and move closer towards Him, then happiness, blessedness, will follow close behind. We willingly endure difficulty and rough terrain because we have in view the glory of the Son of God and know the rich joys of obedience to Him. The writer of Hebrews notes this is Jesus’ own example for us—

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and is seated

at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

Jesus had His eyes fixed on the glory of the Father and He was strengthened in His human flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in profound obedience to His Father. The Holy Spirit is given to us, as believers in Jesus Christ, in the measure needed so that we can bear all things and keep our focus on Jesus—the Founder and Perfecter of our Faith. As we look to Jesus, we go in the path way He set before us so that by Jesus’ grace we will be ushered into the Presence of our Father. Indeed, the psalmist is right in saying: it is for me to be afflicted that I might learn Your statutes.

Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life—bless us this day with the measure of Your Spirit that will allow us to face and overcome our adversities. As victories are won and troubles overcome, may Your Name be praised, King Jesus, and may our lives bring delight to our Father in Heaven. Amen.