Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

What a process, Lord, to teach me that it is my own disobedience that leads to afflictions and then You use these afflictions to teach me Your precepts. My heart begins to be filled with the delight of Your presence as You are revealed in Your Word; Your joy becomes the guiding affection of my life; I begin to see and understand the Goodness of Your law; I look at my afflictions and can say, "It was good."

 Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 142

Mid-day: 119:161-168

Evening: Psalm 67

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.