TEXT: Psalm 119:65-72
READING: Psalm 42:1-11; Psalm 43:1-5
SUBJ: The Law being taught by affliction
AIM: To encourage us to learn His statutes in all situations
INTR: This stanza brings a very valuable lesson to bear on each of us with respect to the Word and our way of learning it.
1. By the way they deal with tragedy, many imply that things may be out of control with God.
2. God is all wise and is in possession of all knowledge and is therefore “dead on” in the designs of providence.
3. The school of affliction has an effective curriculum.
THESIS: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. This is especially to be understood in such a time as this.
I. Before and After Affliction (vv. 65-68)
1. That God has dealt well is an acknowledgment of the Psalmist from a personal perspective.
1) That God does well is a matter of fact.
2) That He does well toward me is another matter
3) He acts in cooperation with His word.
2. The psalmist seeks after good judgment and knowledge.
1) We have a problem with discernment (The ability to understand truths, half-truths and lies –Lutzer)
2) Knowledge is to be desired: Malachi 2:7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
3) It is well to believe that the word of God is true. But if we believe that, we will desire to know more of it.
3. After affliction
1) Not realizing that safety and security is in the word of God.
2) Not necessarily illness, but certainly the conviction of sin is in view.
3) We all tend to become complacent – to go astray – to be careless.
4) We then know that God is essentially, originally, and only good – His providential workings are good for me, and I want to know more.
II. Some sources of affliction (vv. 69-70)
1. While affliction is often a painful situation, as we consider Christ, we may not think it much.
1) They forge lies (our integrity is impugned).
2) I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart in the face of such affliction.
2. Their heart is fat (proud, insensitive, and unable to know pain.) Pain is a blessed indicator to us of things wrong.
3. The believer’s delight is a recurring theme
III. A conclusion about affliction (vv. 71-72
1. Inasmuch as the affliction was accomplished, the benefit falling out from it is clearly seen and acknowledged (this is a difficult concept for the flesh).
2. But statutes were learned and were a source of gain in the aftermath.
3. A greater appreciation and ability to praise and greater value was to be placed on the Word.
