“I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” Psalm 119.75
There is great maturity in this verse. Immaturity bucks against correction, fails to see the wisdom in it. In contrast, the acceptance and affirmation of correction—even painful correction—demonstrates maturity.
The psalmist begins his display of maturity by affirming what he knows to be true of God. He knows that God is just. He is righteous; therefore, his rules are righteous. We can know with certainty that God’s word and its prescriptions for our lives are righteous. Why? Because God is righteous. His word reflects his character, and his character is wholly righteous.
This reflection on God’s character, as seen in his righteous rules, leads the psalmist to trust in God’s correction of him. We’ve seen numerous times in this psalm that the writer is fully convinced of his own sinfulness. Thus he knows that he is in need of correction. Here, based on what he knows about God, he affirms the affliction that he faces is for his own good. His affliction is not a sign of God’s absence. Rather, it is a sure sign of God’s faithfulness.
How do you view trials and affliction? Do you see them as a sign of God’s goodness and righteousness? How often do you thank God for bringing chastening affliction into your life?
Sovereign Lord, you are abundantly kind to us. We thank you that you do not leave us in our sin. Rather, in your kindness, you chasten us. You bring affliction and lead us in repentance. Your ways are righteous, O Lord. Help us to walk in your righteousness. Amen.