It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. Psalm 119:71

 There is nothing more painful, shameful, and regretful than suffering the consequences of wrong doing. Maybe you were caught up in a lie, arrested for shoplifting, committed an awful act against another person, and the list is long of other offenses. The reality is each sin comes with a penalty and it can impact you for a day, a lifetime or anywhere in-between. If you have any conscience, you accept your wrongdoing and seek forgiveness. The end result is hopefully you’ll regroup and find a way to get back on the right path for your life.

 The author of today’s verse acknowledges the benefit of learning from his mistakes and seeks to gain wisdom to help him do better in life. As a child, you were probably (hopefully) disciplined when you did wrong, and as a result, you discovered that doing right was less painful (on your rear end) than the pleasure you sought while sinning. Hopefully your heart hasn’t hardened to learning and a desire to do better. There are jail houses full of hard hearts who never learn from their mistakes and keep on repeating sin and wrongdoing that comes with longer periods of discipline.

 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; teach me Your statues. Psalm 119:67-68

 Take advice from today’s scripture, learn from your mistakes and desire to do God’s will by remaining obedient to His standard of living, and the law of the land, so you won’t have to bear the consequences of your wrongdoing.