Faithful Affliction


Sometimes the Bible surprises us by explaining things differently than how our natural instincts would like.  In the case of Psalm 119:75, there are two words that we might not think of together:

“I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
            and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”

How often do we associate God’s faithfulness with affliction?  Don’t we usually associate it with our blessings?  Yet there it is: “in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”

Earlier, in verse 71, David wrote:

“It is good for me that I was afflicted,
                        that I might learn your statutes.”

Then he says the benefit he gets from learning this is more than “thousands of gold and silver pieces”. Since we benefit from discipline, would God be unfaithful if He did not discipline us?  Or do we only consider Him faithful when things seem to go well?

“My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline
            or be weary of his reproof,
for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,
            as a father the son in whom he delights.” – Proverbs 3:11-12

He is faithful, always.  Even in affliction.  Perhaps especially.

4 thoughts on “Faithful Affliction”

  1. Thank you for reflecting on Psalms 119:75. Surely I have been in need of faithful discipline in my life. In addition to faithfully helping us learn from our mistakes, I’ve learned God helps us learn and teach as we bear burdens not of our making. Oh the things I’ve learned from my parents, even their example before I was born. As newlyweds, in 1951 they were separated by an ocean, the trial of the Korean War. Their trans-pacific letters are priceless. By example they’ve taught me throughout my life how to keep focused on a faithful God and family through trials. I’m grateful for their “wondrous and glorious thoughts amidst trials.” https://ancestorclips.com/2026/09/11/wondrous-and-glorious-thoughts-amidst-trial/

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