3 April 2006

Text: Psalm 119:49-56
Subject: Affliction

AFFLICTION- A THEME FREQUENTLY DEALT WITH IN THE PSALMS
1. Direct mention of the word "Affliction"
a) Affliction and pain    Psalm 25:18

b) Affliction and oppression    Psalm 44:24

2. Implied idea of affliction by mentioning of the wicked (ungodly)
a) Enemies    Psalm 3:7

b) Workers of iniquity    Psalm 5:5

3. Other words employed
a) Trouble and grief of the humble    Psalm 10:14

b) Oppression of the poor    Psalm 12:5

STRUGGLES WITH THE WICKED
1. Affliction (from the wicked)
"In my affliction…"    Psalm 119:50a

2. Derision
"The proud have me in great derision…"    Psalm 119:51

3. The wicked
"Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked…"    Psalm 119:53

COPING WITH AFFLICTION
1. Prayer
"Remember the word to Your servant…"    Psalm 119:49

"I remember Your name in the night, O LORD…"    Psalm 119:55

2. Word of God
"Your word has given me life…"    Psalm 119:50

3. Hope
"Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope"    Psalm 119:49

4. Comfort
"This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life"    Psalm 119:50

"I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, and have comforted myself"    Psalm 119:52

5. Songs
"Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage"    Psalm 119:54

6. Remembering
"I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD…"    Psalm 119:52

"I remember Your name in the night, O LORD…"    Psalm 119:55

7. Keeping of God's word
"I kept Your precepts…"    Psalm 119:56b