AFFLICTIONS

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” - Psalm 34:19

We tend to think that the word “affliction,” refers to physical pain. While physical pain is an affliction, the word, “affliction,” is defined by Merriam-Webster as something that causes pain or distress. Dictionary.com defines affliction as a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery.

I used to hear old-timers pray for “the sick and the afflicted,” noting that there is a difference in the two. While sickness is an affliction, the word “affliction,” covers a broader area that would include anything that we'd consider a burden or problem.

In Psalm 34:19, the writer penned these words, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” In this verse, the psalmist specifically addressed the issue of afflictions. While his words are sobering, they also contain a powerful promise to those who are struggling with afflictions.

1. DIFFICULTIES

First of all, there is the sobering news: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” We are tempted to think that afflictions are for the disobedient or indifferent. Not so. The psalmist wrote, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (emphasis added). This verse teaches us that God's people will suffer trials, heartaches and pain. None of us are immune to afflictions.

Furthermore, the psalmist wrote, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (emphasis added). The righteous will suffer many afflictions. We have not been promised a life free to pain or problems. Many afflictions will come as we travel through life. Afflictions are not necessarily a reflection of a deficient faith. In fact, afflictions may come to try your faith.

2. DELIVERANCE

Secondly, there is a promise, "... the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Afflictions may come to the child of God, but God is still in control. Our afflictions seem overwhelming to us, but it is comforting to know that God is greater than all our afflictions combined. We find hope in the promise that God delivers His people out of their afflictions.

Notice that the promise is that "the LORD delivered him out of them all" (emphasis added). Deliverance is promised for ALL of our afflictions.

Yet there are a few things we need to understand. First, God does not promise when deliverance will come. In our face-paced society, we like immediate results. When we pray for deliverance, it may not come within the timeline we desire. Yet deliverance WILL come.

Secondly, God does not promise how deliverance will come. Deliverance may come in a dynamic, miraculous way. Then again, He may choose to deliver us through the means of death. Regardless of how it comes, deliverance will come.

It is encouraging to know that our afflictions are temporary. Soon our afflictions will give way to glory. When we get to heaven, afflictions will be a thing of the past. In the meanwhile, we endure afflictions by the grace of God for the glory of God. Soon our trials will end and all will be bliss.

While the afflictions of the righteous are many, we rejoice that the Lord delivers us out of them all.