Teach Me Knowledge And Good Judgment

Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord.

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.

Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.

Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.

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

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.

May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.

I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.

May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.

May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.

May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.

Psalm 119:65-80

God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Suffering often helps us to redirect our focus. It shifts our thinking from immediate circumstances so we can listen to God concerning His work in our lives. Life as usual is replaced by a spiritual schoolroom.

We are not alone in our experience of pain. God Himself took on human form and suffered greatly.

The one with nail-scarred hand is near. He will comfort us and teach us in our suffering.

We learn the lesson of trust in the school of trial.

Our Daily Bread – May 6, 2015