Usually, the thought of affliction has a harsh negative connotation, suggesting that something is wrong for a reason. In this psalm, there is a different perspective on affliction. In verse 50, the word of God served as a comfort during the writer's suffering. Then, in verse 67, the affliction he experienced was meant to correct and guide his actions, bringing him back to the word of God. Verse 71 tells us that the affliction he endured was to build his character, with the lessons learned becoming engraved on his mind. When someone strays from the right path, the Lord, in His faithfulness, shows He cares for His servant by allowing affliction. For the psalmist, the law of God was real and delightful, through which he found contentment even in suffering, as we see in verse 92. The crisis of affliction is addressed in verse 107, when our questions—"why this? Why me? Why now?"—are answered by the lamp and light of God’s word. The final mention of affliction is in verse 153, where he prays to the Lord to consider his suffering.
Insight often becomes most clear through the discipline of hardship. The word of God is our precious resource that we turn to in both good and bad times. It is one way the Lord captures the attention of someone who has strayed. Counting our blessings is not a waste of time because it provides us with what we need to exercise good judgment and knowledge to distinguish right from wrong. God achieves this by disciplining us in various ways. A process and practice are essential to make us aware of what is good and godly.
Affliction can be comforting because it assures us that there is one who knows what is better for us than we do. The discipline of affliction guides us and builds our character by challenging us to find our satisfaction, protection, and guidance in faithfully following the teachings of the scriptures of truth. It may lead us to suffering and persecution to some degree, but those are temporary and for our good. The benefits of such afflictions last forever.
The next stanza, consisting of eight verses, offers insight through the word of God. It shows that justice involves retribution, where God both blesses and disciplines. Being a blessing to others and receiving blessings ourselves helps us understand why we must follow the law. Those who fear God and obey His word will rejoice in His fair judgment and the positive outcomes that follow. Meanwhile, those who are arrogant and self-centered will ultimately be put to shame.
When our hope is placed in the word of God, we find joy and refreshment in our souls through fellowship with other believers. During times of suffering, we need their comfort and the truth that guides us toward spiritual growth. God is just and faithful through both good and bad circumstances we encounter in life. In those moments, we learn the great value of His help. Believers instinctively love the fellowship of those who serve the Lord. I have found this to be one of the main ways we avoid falling into situations that could cause us shame.
From verses 81 through 88, the psalmist waits on God and cries out for deliverance from those who persecute him. When someone is afflicted and persecuted, they long for the help only the Lord can provide. The signs of affliction leave him like a “bottle in the smoke,” a dried-up wineskin that is cracked and shriveled. Despite all we might face, our confidence remains in God’s word, which offers us hope during times of darkness.
There will be those who find pleasure in ungodliness and lawlessness, plotting against the righteous and innocent. In such situations, God's promises in His word sustain our hope for the right outcome, so we do not lose confidence in Him. Despite darkness and pressure, let us resolve not to conform to the world's ways, and the majority of people who do not know the Lord say, “I will keep the testimony of Thy mouth.”
The next set of eight verses speaks to us about our faith based on the word of God that is “settled in heaven.” Faith triumphs over all obstacles. It comes “by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God’s faithfulness to His people extends through all ages, generations, and places. There is an order to faith. It is not haphazard. We see the order of divine laws in nature, which provide for our needs and continually preserve us. A farmer “sows in hope,” knowing he must do his part in labor, but ultimately, God gives life to a seed that produces what we need from the “fullness” of the earth. A fisherman does the same. Day after day, he goes out on the water and casts his nets or hooks, not knowing what he will catch. But he trusts that if he does his part in faith, the harvest of fish he seeks will come.
God has saved, forgiven, and given us a new divine nature and will not forsake His own. Even when opposed by the ungodly, our commitment and responsibility remain to live godly lives and accept the opposition that will inevitably come. Our strength and assurance of faith will come when we “consider Thy testimonies.” The word of God is infinite in scope and perfect in character because it is the living word of God.
God’s word is firm and unchangeable because it is “settled in heaven.” It is truthful and dependable “from the beginning.” It is pure and satisfying because it is “very pure.” The commandments of God are “exceeding broad,” so they are wide-ranging and searching. They are sweet and satisfying - “sweeter than honey.” The word of God is a “lamp unto my feet” that enlightens us and “a light unto my path” that guides us.
THE ETERNAL WORD v. 65-72. The Discipline of Affliction. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” The pricelessness of the Word of God. v. 73-80. The Justice of Retribution. “Let the proud be ashamed.” Testimony through the Word of God. v. 81-88. The Hope in Darkness. “My soul fainteth…” Affliction overcome by the Word of God. v. 89-96. The Triumph of Faith. “Unless Thy law had been my delight, I should have perished.” The Word of God is eternal.