Psalm 119:67-68 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119 is the work of a committed disciple from start to finish, so every verse, really, can teach us something about how to be such a disciple. These two verses, taken as a pair, remind us of a truth that has come out already in the series. This is the truth expressed most fully in Hebrews 12, that the difficulties we face are expressions of God’s love for us as our heavenly Father. Here, the psalmist is recognizing the good outcome of the suffering he has experienced. He comments on that, recognizing that everything God does is an expression of His character, which is to say, love. In response, he asks God to teach him how to live. That certainly sounds like a wise disciple to me!

I haven’t always expressed this degree of wisdom in responding to the things I’ve experienced! I have certainly done my share of grum­bling and complaining, failing to move forward because of griping about how things were. God has made it very clear to me that He’s not happy with much of what goes on in the world, but I know that every bit of it that is released to Him will be turned around and used for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) I need to apply that knowledge day by day and moment by moment, not wasting physical and emotional energy on resentment and complaining, but renewing my soul and spirit by thanking and praising God. That’s not to say I’m to be a doormat, never seeking to change my circumstances, because the Bible is very clear that God wants to use us to bring His kingdom to this world, and that means active obedience. However, I am not to waste time and energy bemoaning anything. Rather, what­ever happens, I am to seek God’s will in it, and offer myself as His instrument to do whatever He desires to do.

Father, I feel I’ve made progress in this area, but You know even better than I do how far I have yet to go. Thank You for all You allowed me to do and experience yesterday. Thank You for all You have in the day today. Help me apply Your truth moment by moment, so that I will flow in the abundant grace and provision that You intend for me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!