Chastening of the Lord
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word. Psalm 119:67
The Psalmist recognized in his suffering God’s hand of chastening. He did not question God’s goodness, but saw in it the means of his correction. Trials of this life drive us to God’s Word for guidance, sustenance, encouragement and rebuke. God never wastes the difficulties of life, instead using them to conform us to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:28-29). “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Heb. 12:6).
--Keith Keyser
We cannot always trace the way, where Thou our gracious Lord dost move;
But we can always surely say that God is love.
When clouds hang o’er our darkened path, we’ll check our dread, each doubt reprove;
For here each saint sweet comfort hath, that God is love.
--Sir J. Bowering
