The first half of this stanza, in verses 65-88, the psalmist began to examine the goodness of God in the midst of suffering. In this second half, we will see two more examples of God’s goodness. Take at look at this passage in Psalm 119:69-72:

While this theme of suffering and affliction will carry on through the next two stanzas, this ninth stanza centers the subject properly in the goodness of God. It is impossible to understand affliction properly without understanding, at least as much as possible, the goodness of God. Otherwise, we will fall into hopelessness and despair. Only with a proper perspective of the goodness of God can we see clearly to navigate the badness of a fallen world.

This knowledge of God’s goodness brings us to obey and understand the Word of God. The psalmist stressed obedience to God’s Word in verse 67, and here, in verse 71, he stresses an understanding of Scripture. Those might seem to be be reversed, but in actuality, they are not. What the psalmist is saying here is that his affliction caused him to turn to God’s Word, and to obey it. As he read and studied it, it led to a deeper and more full understanding of it, which in turn led to a more complete obedience. It’s an ever deepening cycle.

In the first half of this passage, the psalmist used the word “good” in three separate statements, revealing that God uses our sufferings to our own benefit because of his goodness. In this passage, we find two more of these statements in verses 71 and 72.

Verse 71 – It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

This verse seems to be contradictory in nature at first glance. The psalmist see his affliction as good, and our very nature rebels against that idea. But James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” If God sees the benefits of using suffering and affliction for our good, then there must be a good purpose in it somewhere. This calls to mind Romans 8:28, in which Paul states that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” There is a good purpose behind what we see as bad.

Verse 72 – The law from your mouth is more precious (good) to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

What could be more precious than the very words of our Creator, who loves us enough to die for us so that we can have an eternity with him? What the psalmist is saying here is that the value of God’s Word is enormous, far beyond simple material value. So the question we need to ask is clear: How much do we, you and I, value the Word of God? Is it that precious to us?

All that God does is based in his inherent goodness. What we need to do is begin to learn how to recognize the goodness behind it, whether it is a positive or a negative event in our lives. And when we do, we will understand him just a little bit better, and we will obey him just a little bit deeper, and we will love him just a little bit more. Like I said, it’s an ever deepening cycle.

Question: How has God displayed his goodness in your life through suffering and affliction? Did you recognize it at the time? What has been the result for you spiritually? You can leave a comment by clicking here.