"Affliction"
Daniel Valles

READ Psalm 119:71

Sometimes this verse is hard to say.  When we are going through hard times, experiencing the loss of a loved one, or a job, going through health difficulties, etc., we do not eagerly agree with this verse.  But, it is also a comforting verse.  In a way, it is a promise.  Even when we do wrong, or simply stray from fellowshipping with Him, He still wants to commune with us.

Sometimes, it has to become a little dark for us to appreciate the light.   Other times, knowledge and wisdom could have aided a situation if we had known of it beforehand.  Experience is a hard teacher, but, if we are willing to learn from it, we search out knowledge and what can be learned from it.  Reading the Bible, communing with God, and learning His statues can also head off potential afflictions in the future.

Either way, whether it be pre or post-affliction, we know that God's Word contains the statues that will guide us.  Soak it up, read it, fellowship with the Word.  Then, when the afflictions come, (and they will), we can welcome the chance to grow closer to Him.