The storms of life

(Charles Buck, 1820)

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

In Scripture, the afflictions of believers are represented as . . .
 appointed,
 numerous,
 transient,
 and when sanctified, beneficial.

Afflictions . . .
  wean from the world;
  work submission;
  produce humility;
  excite to diligence;
  stir up to prayer;
  conform us to the divine image.

To bear afflictions with patience, we should consider . . .
  our own unworthiness;
  the design of God in sending them;
  the promises of support under them;
  the real good they are productive of.

The afflictions of a believer never come without
a cause, nor are sent but upon a divine errand.

Let us, therefore, quietly submit to God's Providence.

Let us conceive this life to be the winter of our existence.
Now the rains must fall, and the winds must roar around us;
but, sheltering ourselves under Him who is the "shelter from
the tempest," let us wait with patience until the storms of
life shall terminate in an everlasting calm.

"In faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75