He May Murmur and Struggle at First
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that affliction serves to draw believers closer to God and purify their hearts.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that affliction serves as a divine tool to purify and strengthen believers, drawing them closer to God. He reflects on Psalm 119:67, illustrating how trials can lead to spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. Brooks notes that while initial reactions to affliction may include murmuring and struggle, understanding its purpose can lead to acceptance and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm 119:71. Ultimately, afflictions are portrayed as necessary for enhancing one's relationship with God and manifesting His love and grace.
Text
"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!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding Affliction - The Purpose of Affliction - Affliction as a Spiritual Remedy
- II points: - The Humbling Effect of Affliction - Drawing Closer to God - Gaining Spiritual Strength through Trials
- III points: - The Response to Affliction - Submission to God's Will - Finding Good in Affliction
- IV points: - The Manifestation of God's Power - Experiencing God's Love - Grace in Times of Trouble
Key Quotes
“Affliction is a fire to purge out our dross, and to make our graces shine.” — Thomas Brooks
“It was good for me to be afflicted.” — Thomas Brooks
“In the winter of affliction, the soul runs out more and more to God.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that afflictions can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith.
- Embrace trials as opportunities to draw nearer to God.
- Submit to God's will during difficult times, trusting in His greater purpose.