Time with God - December 15, 2016

Read Psalm 119:65-72

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word… It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me that thousands of gold and silver pieces.”(vv. 67, 71-72)

Affliction—times of hardship or difficulty or pain—can be used by God to accomplish great things in our spiritual lives!

As you read this passage you hear the psalmist telling God about an amazing discovery he has made: although his affliction has come from the arrogance and lies of people around him (things that God hates), even that became one of the tools God used to bring him back to a place of spiritual growth.

Affliction in our lives really becomes a spiritual shortcut—an opportunity to grow extra fast in our relationship with God!

If you are experiencing a difficult circumstance in your life right now, God is inviting you to change your perspective on it. Rather than just praying, “Get me out of this!”, why don’t you try praying, “Lord, how can I grow from this?” Deciding to trust and surrender like that can calm your stormy heart, and help you grow closer to God rather than fight against him.

Instead of pushing God away in anger, reach for your Bible and allow God to begin ministering to you and stirring up your spiritual life.

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