Thoughts From My Journal

I thought I'd do a different sort of post today. I try to make it my practice to read the Bible daily. I want to follow Christ and His teachings. I can only do that if I am reading the Word of God. I am always encouraged when I read something in the Scriptures that help me with my food allergies. A few days ago I was reading in Psalm 119 and was struck by these verses:

"Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
You are good and do good...
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes."
(Psalm 119: 67, 68 & 71)

--I read these verses and thought of my food allergies. Wow. I feel like they accurately describe my feelings about getting/having allergies.
--I can't say I always "keep Your Word" but I am more often reminded of my need for You & Your Word.
--What a beautiful and refreshing Truth: "You are good and do good."
---> Food allergies haven't always seemed good, but You can only do good, therefore for me these allergies, allowed by You, are good.
--Again, the truth stated clearly in Scripture that serves as a testimony and reminder: "It is good for me that I was afflicted."
---> Not it was good, but it is good. The good is present and on-going.
---> "was afflicted" -- very interesting that this is past tense. Maybe the psalmist's affliction was temporary and in the past. Sometimes my affliction is in the past, sometimes it is present. The worst of my affliction with food allergies is in the past, though, usually.
--The affliction isn't for naught! There is purpose in the affliction -- the reason it can be declared "good" -- "That I may learn Your statutes."
---> I have learned much of God and His Word and ways from my affliction.

"I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me."
(Psalm 119:75)

--Again, one of God's character traits is seen in relation to affliction -- in His faithfulness.
--Some days, in the midst of affliction, God doesn't seem so faithful. It feels like He's abandoned me or left me alone. But this says quite the opposite: "in faithfulness." Someone being faithful is there with you. To only remember to cling to this truth when I feel afflicted again!

Praise God for food allergies! Thank you, Lord!