Why is it that we see those we love and care about struggling with family issues, health issues, financial issues and personal issues when they seemingly are such faithful stewards of the Savior they love? Why is it that they are burdened with these constraints that changed the very texture of their lives? Why are they impacted so severely by the actions of others? Why God, Why?
In the book of James, the brother of Jesus wrote that we are to count it all joy when we have trials of various kinds because those trials that test our faith produce steadfastness. But, how do we do that? How can we be joyful in our trials?
David, in the Psalms demonstrated what I believe to be the answer to this. David definitely knew about affliction. He was chased into the mountains to avoid being captured by the king he served, he was ridiculed by his own children, he suffered the loss of his child due to his own sin and on and on it went. And as he poured out his heart to the Father, he recognized that it was good for him to be afflicted because he learned God's statutes in the process.
How do we learn the statues? We learn by reading the Word and allowing its truths to permeate our heart. We learn by being obedient even when it is hard. We learn when we give praise even in the sorrow. We learn when we share our victories and our struggles with those we come in contact with. All of this will bring us joy - if only we are willing.
None of us know what the next day will bring. Certainly none of my friends and family expected the adversity that came in 2019 when the calendar page turned last December 31st. I am praying that each one will someday be able to say with David, that it was good to be afflicted. And I am praying that I too will remember this as I walk into the future.
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