Psalm 119:71
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”
The verse says that it was good that I was afflicted. I think a lot times when we are in pain or in a storm, we can’t see how this pain is good for us. You may wonder, “How is this heartbreak good for me? How is this setback good for me? How is this job loss good for me?”And the list goes on…When we experience hurt, we are able to rely on God for strength. At the beginning of the storm, it is difficult to want to draw close to God. A lot of times we tend to draw away from God because we can’t believe this situation is happening to us. It’s like why me God? This pain is so unbearable.
We should draw closer to God regardless of our circumstances. I know it’s easier said than done. We have two options we can either complain and be bitter about this pain that we’re feeling or we can praise God in the middle of the pain. Don’t get me wrong, when you are right in middle of the pain, it is so hard to want to praise. You have to remember that God is good anyway. Even though you lost your job, car, house, your man, or whatever else… God is still good no matter what. That verse tells me that even though I am in pain, I am still going to go to God, pick up his word, and learn his promises. I am going to speak those promises over myself and my situation. What does God’s word say about your situation?
Psalm 34:18 Tells me that, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 147:3 Tells me, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That is good news to those that are in pain. Those verses tell me that God is close to me at that moment my heart is broken and the other verse tells me that he heals broken hearts and binds wounds. Think back to when you were a child and your mom cleaned your skinned knee, put a bandage on it, and kissed it. I believe that is what God does to us. He puts us back together, cleans that area that hurts, bandages it, and kisses it and we feel better.
Once the storm passes, because they eventually do. You may be able to have a stronger relationship with our father and learn his promises. Keep in mind that your flesh is not going to want to pick up God’s word. Your flesh is not going to want to speak God’s promises over your life, but you have to push through anyway and receive your father’s promises. I know it’s easier said than done, but next time a storm happens try to remind yourself of this verse. That storm is going to push you closer to God. It’s weird because it’s like this hurts so bad father, but because of this pain, I am spending time with you. I am worshipping you. I am reading my Bible. Remember that God doesn’t waste a hurt. Right now it’s painful, but a testimony will come out of this storm and you will be able to help someone else and point them back to the father.