The Path of Affliction and Goodness

September 6, 2026 Preacher: Darrin Wright Series: Walking in the Word

Scripture: Psalm 119:65–72

This sermon speaks to people who:

are struggling to reconcile suffering with the goodness of God.
wonder whether hardship means God has abandoned or rejected them.
are living through sickness, grief, financial pressure, disappointment, or uncertainty.
have been wounded by lies, accusations, or damage to their reputation.
recognize that comfort or success has allowed them to drift spiritually.
want more than relief from suffering—they want God to use it faithfully.
find themselves becoming bitter, cynical, demanding, or self-reliant.
need to rediscover the enduring value of God’s Word.
cannot understand the path ahead but want to trust their Shepherd.

Text	Psalm 119:65-72
Series	Walking in the Word
Big Idea	God’s goodness is not contradicted by our affliction; in His sovereign goodness, God uses affliction to draw His people closer to Himself and His Word.
Summary	The psalmist begins his reflection on suffering with praise: “You have dealt well with your servant.” His affliction has not convinced him that God is unfaithful; it has taught him how much he needs his Shepherd. Before he was afflicted, he wandered, but through affliction God drew him back to obedience and Scripture. Even when others smeared him with lies, he resolved to keep and delight in God’s Word. Looking back, he could say that his affliction was good because it taught him to treasure God’s Word above the wealth of the world.
Topics	Suffering Goodness of God Affliction God’s Word
Questions This Sermon Answers	Is God still good when I am suffering? Why does God allow Christians to suffer? How can affliction be good for us? Does suffering mean God has abandoned me? How should Christians respond to affliction? How does suffering draw us back to God? How can I trust God when I do not understand Him?
Application Questions	What circumstances are currently making God’s goodness difficult for you to see? When you evaluate God’s dealings with you, do you begin with your circumstances or with the cross? Has suffering revealed an area in which you had wandered from God? What is God teaching you about Himself, His Word, or your own heart? Is your affliction making you more prayerful or more bitter?
Printable Sermon Summary PDF	The Path of Affliction and Goodness Sermon Summary and Reflection Questions
Related Blog Post	Is God Still Good When Life Hurts?
Previous in Series	The Path of Satisfaction • Psalm 119:57-64
Next in Series	The Path of Trusting God • Psalm 119:73-80
Related Sermons	The Path Through Affliction • Psalm 119:49-56 Hope For The Hopeless • Job 19:23-27 When God Is Silent • Job 23:8-17 Walking Through the Valley — Psalm 23:4

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