Psalms 119:71 – “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Psalm 119:71, the psalmist makes a surprising statement: he sees value in his suffering because it led him to understand God’s teachings better. This verse reveals a mature perspective that hardships can actually serve a positive purpose. The psalmist recognizes that, through affliction, he was brought closer to God’s word and learned to rely more deeply on God’s wisdom. Rather than viewing his trials as purely negative, he acknowledges that they brought him spiritual growth and a deeper commitment to God’s ways. This verse teaches that sometimes difficulties are the very things that drive us back to God, helping us learn valuable lessons we might otherwise miss.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, suffering was often understood as a means by which God could correct and guide His people. The Israelites had experienced many hardships, from wandering in the desert to being taken into exile, which served to turn their hearts back to God. The psalmist’s reflection on affliction aligns with the belief that God uses difficult circumstances to refine His people and draw them closer to Him. The hardships the Israelites faced were often a result of their disobedience, but God used those experiences to teach them and lead them back to His commandments. For the psalmist, personal affliction served a similar purpose—it pushed him to seek God more earnestly and understand His laws more deeply.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the redemptive purpose of suffering. It shows that God, in His wisdom, can use even the painful parts of our lives for our spiritual benefit. Instead of seeing hardships as punishment, the psalmist sees them as a tool for growth. This challenges believers to view their own struggles in a new light—not as signs of God’s displeasure, but as opportunities for deeper learning and reliance on Him. This verse reminds us that God’s goal is not to make our lives comfortable, but to transform us into people who know Him better and live according to His word.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 119 is a poem that celebrates the value of God’s word, and verse 71 continues this theme by connecting the psalmist’s personal experience of suffering with spiritual growth. The structure of the verse contrasts the negative experience of affliction with the positive outcome of learning God’s decrees. The phrase “It was good for me” is powerful because it reveals a change in perspective; the psalmist does not focus on the pain but on the good that came from it. This verse reflects a deep sense of gratitude, recognizing that even painful experiences can lead to spiritual blessings.
Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 12:11: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
- James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
- Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 119:71 is a reminder that God can use difficult experiences to draw us closer to Him. While no one enjoys suffering, this verse encourages us to see challenges as opportunities to grow in our understanding of God’s word. When we face trials, it’s natural to ask, “Why is this happening?” But this verse challenges us to ask, “What can I learn from this?” It teaches that instead of becoming bitter or discouraged, we can trust that God is using our hardships to teach us valuable lessons and strengthen our faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The psalmist’s realization that affliction brought him closer to God shows that God’s love is not only expressed in blessings but also in discipline. Just as a loving parent disciplines a child for their good, God allows challenges in our lives to help us grow. This verse reveals that God’s love includes teaching and refining us, even if it involves some discomfort. God’s ultimate goal is not our temporary comfort but our eternal good, and sometimes that means allowing difficulties to draw us closer to Him and His word.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself went through suffering, and through His afflictions, He fulfilled God’s will. Hebrews 5:8 says that “although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.” Jesus’ willingness to endure the cross was not only an act of obedience but also a demonstration of trust in God’s greater purpose. For Christians, Jesus’ example shows that suffering can be a path to deeper obedience and spiritual maturity. Just as the psalmist learned God’s decrees through affliction, Jesus’ suffering opened the way for us to know God’s love and redemption. By following Jesus, we can learn to embrace difficulties as part of God’s plan to grow our faith.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Can you recall a time when a difficult experience led you to grow closer to God?
- How can you change your perspective on suffering so that you see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
- What are some practical ways you can seek God’s guidance during challenging times?
- How does understanding that God uses affliction for good help you trust Him more?
- How can Jesus’ example of enduring suffering inspire you to remain faithful in your own trials?
Psalm 119:71 encourages us to view our hardships not as setbacks but as stepping stones to a deeper relationship with God. Let this verse inspire you to trust that God can use even the most difficult moments in your life to teach you, refine you, and draw you closer to His word. By embracing this perspective, you can find peace and purpose in every season, knowing that God is using it all for your good.