Proper Perspective on Our Pain

Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

David states in the above passage, that it was a good thing that he was afflicted.  That seems to go counter to everything that we think when it comes to our trials and problems.  We don’t like pain, we avoid it at all costs, yet David, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us that his pain was good for him.  The reason being, through his afflictions he learned the Word of God.  He had a good perspective on the pain he was experiencing at the time.

When trials come into our lives, most times our reaction is to pray for the Lord to take them away.  They are not welcome, we don’t want them, no thank you!!  However, if we look at our troubles as a time of learning, a time that will bring us into a richer relationship with God, we might gain a better perspective on our pain.

The Lord always brings a purpose to our pain.  Most times we won’t see that purpose immediately, but in time it becomes very clear.  Problems and trials are not designed to break you, but to make you.  The Lord is at work.  If we are wise when we experience trials in our life, we will turn to God and His Word, like David.  Through affliction God and the Bible become real to us.  There is a closeness that develops (if we allow it to) between us and our God as He speaks to us in His Word. A closeness that would never have happened if we hadn’t gone through our problems.

Try not to look at the trials you face as something that has been done too you, but as something God is doing through you, and with you.  Lessons learned in the fire are lessons not soon forgotten.  Let’s change our perspective on our pain, and someday we may be able to echo what David said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted;”

Have a great day!