"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word." Psalm 119:67
"It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I could learn Your statutes." Psalm 119:71
By affliction, the Master Artist is adding some new touch of loveliness to the picture He is bringing out in our souls.
Afflictions, when sanctified . . . temper worldly ambitions, burn out the dross of selfishness, humble pride, quell fierce passions, reveal the evil in our hearts, manifest our weaknesses, faults and blemishes, teach patience and submission, discipline unruly spirits, deepen and enrich our graces.
Afflictions, when sanctified, plough the hard soil and cut long and deep furrows in the heart. The heavenly Sower follows, and fruits of righteousness spring up.
"No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
Affliction is a messenger of God, sent to minister to us in the best of ways!
When under God's chastening hand, we should ask, What would God have this sorrow do for me? What is its mission? What its great design? What golden fruit lies hidden in its husk?
How shall it . . . strengthen my virtue, nerve my courage, chasten my passions, purify my love, and make me like Him who . . . bore the cross of sorrow while He lived, and hung and bled upon it when He died, and now wears the victor's crown in glory!
I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me!" Psalm 119:75
Refuge in sorrow (J.R. Miller, 1905) 'Where to go in sorrow' is one of life's great questions. For there are none to whom sorrow does not come at some time. The Master, whose footprints are on all life's paths, shows us the way to the refuge in...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
"I will deal well with thee." Genesis 32:9 SO the Lord promised Jacob; and the promises made unto our fathers, He will fulfill unto us their children. But such a promise does not exclude great trials, sore temptations, deep personal afflictions,...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Meditate, dear friends, upon the whole range of God's works in Creation and Providence.There was a period when God dwelt alone, and creatures were not. In that time before all time, when there was no day but "the Ancient of Days," when matter and...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Better to rot in prison! (J.R. Miller, "Practical Lessons from the Story of Joseph") "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God!" Genesis 39:9"After hearing his wife's story, Potiphar was furious! He took Joseph and threw him into...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Let nothing be wasted! (J.R. Miller "Gather the fragments that are left over. Let nothing be wasted!" John 6:12 It seems remarkable, that He who so easily could multiply the five loaves into an abundant meal for thousands, should be so particular...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
It is not easy for us to learn this lesson (J.R. Miller, "Losing SELF in Christ" 1903) 
"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
(J.R. Miller, "Guarded from Stumbling" 1906) God Himself is the refuge of His people. "My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the One who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
(J.R. Miller, "The Building of Character" 1894) 
 "I have much more to say to you--more than you can now bear." John 16:12 All learning is slow. This is true in proportion to the importance of the lessons. We learn some things quickly--but they...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
His secret power and influence (J.C. Philpot, "The New Covenant & the Blood of Sprinkling") "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." John 6:44"I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
