STRIPPED AWAY

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” –Psalm 119:71

The devil brought terrible misfortunes and afflictions upon Job, though he was a just and holy man (Jb 1:22; 2:10). Despite all Job’s sufferings, he continued to praise God, saying: “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” (Jb 1:21) Job struggled with the problem of why God allowed bad things to happen to an innocent person, and questioned God as to why this should be (Jb 31:4-6, 37). Although God didn’t answer the question to Job’s satisfaction, the Lord did show Himself to Job (Jb 38:1—41:26). Job wanted an answer from God, and he didn’t get the answer he wanted. Instead, Job met the God Who knew all the answers, and that was more than enough for Job (Jb 42:2). This encounter with God completely changed Job’s heart and his fortunes.

Once we personally encounter the God of the Law, then too do we find the laws of God are no longer burdensome; instead, we are swept up in His love (1 Jn 5:2-3). Jesus came to destroy the devil’s works and reveal the Father to us (1 Jn 3:8; Lk 10:17, 22). Jesus bore our afflictions (Mt 8:17; Is 53:3-6) and has delivered us from the devil’s oppression (Col 1:13).

If being afflicted leads to encountering the presence of the Lord, then, as the psalmist says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes,” Your ways, and hear Your voice (see Ps 119:71). God approves the afflicted person who trembles at His Word (Is 66:2). Are you suffering and afflicted? That’s the perfect time to seek the Lord.

PRAYER: “O Lord of hosts, restore us; if Your face shine upon us, then we shall be safe” (Ps 80:4).
PROMISE: “Blest are the eyes that see what you see.” –Lk 10:23
PRAISE: During a pilgrimage to Rome, St. Th�r�se asked Pope Leo XIII for permission to enter the Carmelite Monastery in her native France. He consented. She was 15 years old!