"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." (Psalm 119:71, ESV)

It's an astounding confession. The psalmist felt his affliction was good.

Looking back on it, he realized he learned the Word of God because of his affliction. The pain was his professor. The trial was his teacher. Heartache made God's statutes known.

It's a wild sentiment, but one we know is true. Countless times, trials have taught us. Through the darkness, we've seen the light. In the fears, we've seen God's faithfulness.

We'd heard about the Lord, but in affliction, we experienced Him. Through all the bad, He showed us He is good.

Trials are sometimes severe, but in them, we learn more of our Savior. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. He is our Shepherd, and His care for us is immense. One day, we will join the psalmist and say, "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes."