It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
Psalm 119:71

When our life circumstances become difficult, it is easy to lose our spiritual perspective. We spend more time focused on the circumstances rather than the God of the circumstances.

The psalmist has learned to benefit from the afflictions that God brings his way. He knows that God is always intentional and will always accomplish His eternal purposes through every circumstance of life. A great illustration of this is found in the book of Acts.

“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.”
Acts 4:27–28

Often times wicked people believe they are in control. But, in reality, only God is in control. The wicked will be held accountable for their evil deeds, but God will accomplish His eternal purposes, even through their wickedness.

So, the psalmist has determined to use his afflictions as a motivation to continue learning God’s statutes. When we are in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is so much we can learn about God and His faithfulness. We can also learn to grow in our faith and to recognize ministry opportunities that we would not otherwise have had.