I was listening to a message today and in it was a quote from Martin Luther regarding the text of Psalm 119.  Here it is as I remember it… “There are three things in Psalm 119 that lead to a fuller understanding of God and Scripture: Prayer, Meditation, and Trial.”

The first two I knew of regarding understanding God, but I had never considered the third! As I meditated on it, I agreed. Trials help us understand God’s Word.  We become theologians through life’s difficulties!

Ps 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Ps 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

It is hardship… as it rubs up against God’s Truth… that helps us understand both God and Scripture.  The more hardship we endure as understood through the filter of Scripture… the better we understand God, the more clear Scripture becomes.  Without affliction, we don’t understand God or Scripture to the degree God intends for us.

Applications: Pray to God for understanding of Him and His Word.  Meditate constantly on Scripture in all events of life.  Ask God to reveal Himself and the meaning of Scripture IN your difficulties.