When my husband stubs his toe, he always says the same thing, “Thank goodness I got that over with!” (old Calvanist joke.) We joke about being thankful for the stubbed toe, but that’s what the Bible encourages us to do in Psalms. In Psalm 119, you hear from a person who is truly afflicted – so afflicted that he went astray. But later in the Psalm, with the “Thank goodness I got that over with” attitude, he proclaims thanks.
Psalm 119:66-71
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
I have spoken to some parents this week who have truly been afflicted. Major medical issues in the family, and child custody hearings. How is it even possible to be thankful in those situations? How can you manage to homeschool through such family trauma? Think about it, though. When you are afflicted, you are more likely to pray God’s favorite prayer, “HELP!” When you have trouble, you’re more likely to turn to God for help, and turn to his Word for answers. The Psalms says when he was afflicted he went astray, BUT NOW he obeys God’s Word. He says that it was good to be afflicted so that he could learn God’s Word and His decrees.
In the midst of trouble, lean heavily on God and the Word. You can’t break him, so lean as heavily as you need to. Probably not now, but perhaps eventually you will realize the good that comes from affliction. OK, so maybe you won’t be glad for the affliction itself, but you can become glad for what you have LEARNED through the affliction.
If trauma is interfering with your homeschool, please read my article
What If? Homeschool High School Without Fear
Check out my new profile on The Old Schoolhouse’s Speakers Bureau, and then ask you conference coordinator to invite me to come speak to your conference in 2010!
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