Finding Wisdom and Growth Through Affliction

In the ninth section of Psalm 119, each line begins with the Hebrew letter "tet," and the overarching theme is how God's word brings benefit from times of affliction. The psalmist, who lived in the real world and faced difficult encounters, expresses gratitude for God's good dealings, which align with His word. This gratitude stems from recognizing the many ways God has blessed His servants, such as choosing, calling, rescuing, and rewarding them. The psalmist's experience of God's goodness leads him to pray for wisdom, asking God to teach him good judgment and knowledge, acknowledging that true wisdom comes from God's word.

The psalmist reflects on how affliction has taught him to keep God's word. Before experiencing affliction, he was more prone to stray, but through affliction, he learned obedience. This principle is echoed in the lives of many believers, including Jesus, who learned obedience through suffering. The psalmist emphasizes that affliction, when sanctified, can be a great blessing, leading to greater obedience and surrender to God. However, affliction must be approached with a heart open to God's teaching, or it risks becoming a wasted opportunity.

Despite the affliction, the psalmist maintains that God is good and does good. He desires more instruction from God, even if it means enduring more affliction, demonstrating his confidence in God's goodness. The psalmist contrasts his delight in God's law with the proud who forge lies against him. He remains committed to keeping God's precepts with his whole heart, undeterred by the lies of the proud. The psalmist's heart is lean and hungry for God's word, unlike the proud whose hearts are fat and insensitive.

The section concludes with the psalmist valuing God's word above material riches, recognizing that learning from God's word is more valuable than gold and silver. This perspective comes from a life that has known affliction and found God's word to be a source of comfort and guidance. The psalmist's experience points to Jesus, who also faced lies and affliction but remained committed to God's precepts. Through affliction, believers can draw closer to God and find glorious benefits in His word.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's goodness is evident in how He deals with His servants, choosing, calling, and blessing them according to His word. This recognition should lead us to gratitude and a desire for wisdom, acknowledging that true understanding comes from God's word. [02:29]
• 2. Affliction can be a powerful teacher, leading us to greater obedience and reliance on God's word. Like the psalmist, we should embrace affliction as an opportunity for growth, understanding that it can bring us closer to God if we allow it to do its work. [06:44]
• 3. Despite the challenges and lies we may face from others, our commitment to God's word should remain steadfast. The psalmist's example shows that a life dedicated to God's precepts can withstand the attacks of the proud and deceitful. [14:51]
• 4. The value of God's word surpasses material wealth, offering guidance and comfort that riches cannot provide. In times of affliction, turning to God's word can transform our perspective, making even the most difficult experiences worthwhile. [20:44]
• 5. Jesus exemplifies the ultimate fulfillment of the psalmist's experience, facing lies and affliction yet remaining committed to God's precepts. His life encourages us to draw close to God through His word, finding strength and purpose in times of trial. [23:41]
  ** [23:41]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:27] - Introduction to Psalm 119, Section Tet
• [01:09] - Gratitude for God's Good Dealings
• [02:47] - God's Promises and Our Faith
• [03:19] - Prayer for Wisdom and Knowledge
• [05:21] - Lessons Learned Through Affliction
• [06:58] - Purpose of Affliction
• [09:16] - Jesus and Obedience Through Suffering
• [10:05] - Affirmation of God's Goodness
• [12:39] - Lies of the Proud and Our Response
• [14:36] - Commitment to God's Precepts
• [16:53] - Value of Affliction and Learning
• [19:56] - God's Word vs. Material Wealth
• [22:37] - Connection to Jesus
• [23:57] - Conclusion and Reflection

1. What does the psalmist express gratitude for in Psalm 119:65, and how does this relate to God's word? [01:28]
2. How does the psalmist describe his behavior before and after experiencing affliction in Psalm 119:67? [05:36]
3. In Psalm 119:69-70, how does the psalmist contrast his own heart with that of the proud? [12:39]
4. According to Psalm 119:72, how does the psalmist compare the value of God's word to material wealth? [19:56]

1. How does the psalmist's experience of affliction lead to a deeper understanding and obedience to God's word? [05:21]
2. What does the psalmist's prayer for wisdom and knowledge in Psalm 119:66 reveal about his attitude towards God's commandments? [03:19]
3. How does the psalmist's response to the lies of the proud in Psalm 119:69-70 demonstrate his commitment to God's precepts? [14:36]
4. In what ways does the psalmist's valuation of God's word over material riches challenge contemporary views on wealth and success? [20:44]

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced affliction. How did it impact your relationship with God and your understanding of His word? [06:44]
2. The psalmist prays for good judgment and knowledge. What specific areas in your life do you need to seek God's wisdom and guidance? [03:19]
3. When faced with lies or opposition, how can you remain steadfast in your commitment to God's word, as the psalmist did? [14:51]
4. The psalmist values God's word above material wealth. How can you prioritize spiritual growth over material success in your daily life? [20:44]
5. Jesus learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8). How can you follow His example in your own life, especially during challenging times? [09:16]
6. Consider the proud individuals in your life who may challenge your faith. How can you respond to them with grace and truth, maintaining your integrity? [12:39]
7. Identify one specific way you can deepen your delight in God's word this week. What practical steps will you take to make this a reality? [15:41]