December 24

It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. — Ps 119:71 BSB

We may have everything the carnal heart desires and yet only be hardened into worldliness and ungodliness. But to be brought low in body and soul, to be separated from the world by affliction that is sanctified and spiritually beneficial—to be made to feel our need of Christ and realize that without a saving interest in His precious blood, our souls would be forever lost—this is far better than being left to our own carnality and thoughtlessness.

Affliction is hard to bear, especially when we murmur and complain under its weight. But when the Lord afflicts us, He does it earnestly, with the intent to make us feel. Strong measures are needed to bring us low, and affliction would not be affliction unless it were filled with grief and sorrow. But when affliction causes us to seek the Lord earnestly, with a deep sense that only He can save and bless us, and we look to Him with sincerity, longing for Him to manifest His love and mercy, He will appear—sooner or later.

The Lord, who knows our hearts, hears even a sigh, a desire, or a whispered prayer. He knows our condition, both in body and soul, and He is not a harsh taskmaster who demands what we cannot give or lays on us more than we can bear. Yet, He often delays His appearance to remind us that we have no claim upon Him and that anything He grants is purely out of His mercy and grace.