But Now...

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

[Ps 119:67]

I find this verse true to my experience. Nothing in this world could have brought me closer to God and refined my life in Christ than difficulties. There is no better God magnet than affliction.

Before I truly came to know God I had no real desire to follow obediently. I had a tendency to drift and lose my way.  And the way I came to know Him intimately was through the fires of life.

The “but now” of our lives can lead someone one of two ways. It brings us to two paths, leading in quite opposite directions. “But now” has the potential for two very different outcomes.

Affliction and obedience; they have been married together almost as long as time. Obedience goes with affliction like growth goes with hormones. Obedience is an acquired thing, don’t you think? I form that opinion from these verses.

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered

[Heb 5:7-8]

In life’s trials and suffering one can turn to God for compassion, mercy, comfort, and strength. God, through this experience, can grow one’s faith and give them reasons for hope. One can come to know Him personally as He walks closely with them through the valley. And to know God is to love Him. Building the basis for all obedience, for the root of God-honoring obedience is love.

This is not always the case, unfortunately. There are those that blame God and become bitter toward Him. And others still know not to look for Him at all. It is to these we owe the most encouragement. Offering an Anchor for their storm, a ray of Light to shine in their darkness.

There is no better, tangible companion to the afflicted than a Bible. Other than receiving the comfort of God’s promises, reminders of His faithfulness, strength from the accounts of His past deeds, wearing the pages brings a knowledge of Him and His expectations. We learn His commands and they come to seem right and good.

Psalm 119 a perfect example of this. This elaborate Psalm of exquisite wisdom literature and deep theology expounds the beauty of God’s commands. It was (and still is) used as a prayer to worship the God that revealed Himself to man through His sacred Word. Time spent with God in prayer seeking discernment and understanding of His will through His Word is opportunity to build a love relationship – obedience becoming a natural response.  Isn't obedience to be considered but one of the "good" God brings from suffering?

The seed of affliction sprouts the branch but now that produces the fruit of obedience.  All grown in the garden of God's providential love. 

In the “but now’s” of life, Father, may obedience always follow.  Amen.