He may murmur and struggle at first – Thomas Brooks

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word.” Psalm 119:67

Affliction is a fire to purge out our dross, and to make our graces shine. Affliction is the remedy which cures all our spiritual diseases.

By afflictions, God humbles the hearts of His people, and betters the hearts of His people, and draws the hearts of His people nearer and closer to Himself.

“It was good for me to be afflicted.” Psalm 119:71

The saints gain by their crosses, troubles, and distresses. Their graces are more raised, their fellowship with God is more multiplied, their comforts are more augmented, their communion with God is more heightened. The grand design of God in all the afflictions which befall His people is to bring them nearer and closer to Himself.

When a great affliction arrests a sincere Christian, he may murmur and struggle at first; but when he considers it as sent from God, to bring him to God, the King of glory he willingly and readily submits to the rod, and kisses the rod, saying, “It was good for me to be afflicted!” Ps. 119:71

The power of God, the love of God, and the grace of God are most gloriously manifested by bringing the hearts of His people nearer and closer to Himself by all the troubles, distresses, and dangers which attend them. In the winter season, all the sap of the tree runs down to the root; just so in the winter of affliction, the soul runs out more and more to God, and gets closer and nearer to God!