Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Kings 21-22, Psalm 119:89-96, Luke 4:31-37, Ephesians 4:13-30 Psalm 119:89-96: When the going gets tough, the tough get going—or so we are told. Certainly, extremity of situation does reveal character. This is one of the reasons why it is important to build character in the quiet lull of normal life so that you can be ready to withstand the storm of suffering when it comes. When it comes, not if it comes. But the real gift of suffering, if we may phrase it like that, is that when suffering is received correctly, with faith and perseverance, it teaches you things, it shapes your character further, and it gives you new perspective and insight. The “affliction” which this psalmist is facing had taught him one overriding truth: the preciousness of God’s Word.

• “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (119:92).
• “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (119:89).
• “The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies” (119:95).
• “I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad” (119:96).

  What this psalmist had learned is that God’s Word stands not just the test of time, but the test of pain, of suffering, of affliction, of trial, of the storm. It is an anchor in the storm. And if God’s Word can see him through that adversity, then surely God’s Word will never, never fail. Such is the psalmist’s thinking. If you are going through a time of suffering today, try taking the psalmist’s advice and turn to God’s Word. Rely on God’s Word. Hear God’s Word. Delight in God’s Word. Also take the psalmist’s advice by considering God’s Word, meditating upon it, thinking about it, reflecting upon it, working at it, understanding it. And what is more: take this psalmist’s experience to comfort you. God’s Word will be your sure and certain foundation, an anchor in the storm. His Word is firmly fixed in the heavens.]]>