Psalm 119:69-71
(69) The proud have forged a lie against me: but I
will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
(70) Their heart is as fat as grease; but I
delight in thy law.
Similar
to verse 51 ("The proud have had me
greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law."), it is
another reminder to keep God's commandments no matter what others say or do.
(71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
that I might learn thy statutes.
Afflicted
- OT:6031`anah (aw-naw'); a primitive root [possibly rather ident. with OT:6030
through the idea of looking down or browbeating]; to depress literally or
figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows):
We
don't care for affliction much - the idea of looking down, brow beating,
depressed . . . but God does not send those experiences our way fruitlessly: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye
fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith
worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:2-4) - And not only so, but we glory in
tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience,
experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love
of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto
us." (Romans 5:3-5)
What
is our response to tribulation and testings? Do we see them as good and able to
work good in our lives? ("And we
know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28) My response
determines whether or not the affliction will draw me closer to God and help me
to learn His statutes, or whether I will refuse.
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