When Suffering Becomes a Teacher: Understanding Psalm 119:71

The New Living Translation renders this verse as: “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.”

Suffering makes us realise that we are powerless in ourselves. It should bring us to the realisation that God is speaking to us in negative circumstances if we are willing to listen.

The challenging situations we encounter are of our own creation, not determined by God. Our greed and longing for power or status may have led us there. To overcome them, we need to listen to God.

The psalmist describes the cause of his earlier struggles: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I follow Your word (v. 67).” His life was previously guided by his own priorities and the standards and values of this world. God will try to stop us from running into circumstances unsuitable for us.

A woman trying to purchase a flat faced rejection from banks. She asked us to pray for their approval, and we did. Later, we learned that all properties in that area were blacklisted by banks due to high criminal activity. If she had had funds, she could have bought the property, but as a single woman, it would have been risky for her safety, and the property's value would likely have declined over time.

Any train that ignores a red signal not only risks its own passengers but also those of trains coming in the opposite direction. The psalmist listened to God during difficult times and learned that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  

Be alert to God’s warning signs by reading his Word to prevent a disaster. If you're already in a difficult situation, pray for guidance through his Word. “The nearest exit may be just behind you!” Only God can reveal that exit.

Always remember “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple….” (Psalms 19:7).