Psalm 119:71

It is good for me that I was afflicted, So that I may learn Your statutes.

-Psalm 119:71 (NASB)-

Let’s look at the context of the verse first and answer a few key questions.

Who wrote it? David

When was it written? Because we don’t know the exact circumstance in which this Psalm was written, we only know it was written during his lifetime. 

To whom was it written? It was a prayer that David wrote to God.

For what purpose?  To celebrate God's word and instruction to his people

It is good for me that I was afflicted, So that I may learn Your statutes. (NASB) -Psalm 119:71

There are times when life seems to turn upside down—moments when the unexpected happens, and we’re left wondering why God would allow such trials to come our way. I remember vividly the day I lost my job. In the moment, it felt like a major setback, a roadblock that I wasn’t prepared for. Fear and uncertainty crept in, and I struggled to understand what God was doing.

But as time passed, I began to see the bigger picture. That loss wasn’t a setback, but a redirection. God was shifting me toward something far better—a new job that felt perfectly aligned with who I was and where I needed to be. It became clear that the trial I faced was not meant to harm me but to grow me, to teach me how to trust Him more deeply and to prepare me for something better.

Right now, many of us are facing challenges that feel overwhelming. From sickness to financial struggles, the burdens weigh heavy on our hearts. Some are recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, dealing with loss and uncertainty about the future. These trials can leave us feeling broken, unsure of where to turn or how to move forward.

Yet, in the midst of this, Psalm 119:71 reminds us that affliction can lead to wisdom when we allow God to work through it. It’s often through our greatest challenges that we learn our most important lessons. God’s grace shows up in these difficult moments, giving us strength and teaching us to rely on Him in ways we never thought possible.

If you’re in the middle of a tough season, consider asking God to help you shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on the pain or frustration, ask Him to reveal what He’s trying to teach you. You may not see the purpose in the struggle right now, but trust that God is working for your good, using every moment to shape and strengthen you.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your unfailing grace. In the midst of sickness, financial hardship, and recovery from Hurricane Helene, open my eyes to see what You want me to learn. Help me to shift my perspective, trusting that You are always at work for my good. Give me the strength to lean into Your wisdom and grow in faith, even when I can’t see the full picture. Amen.