2 Chronicles 1:1-2:18; Ezekiel 27:1-36; John 10:1-18
Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. Psalm 119:67 NKJV
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes (word). Psalm 119:71 NKJV
The psalmist is here assured that God’s hand of discipline was never vindictive, but always with a caring and loving purpose. We all have times of distress and wonder why. The Father loves and cares for us, reminding us that “No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). —Jim Comte
Farther along we’ll know all about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, don’t worry, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by. —W. B. Stevens