“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Psalms 119: 71-72)

The afflictions of material life serve a purpose. While God doesn’t give them to us, each time we are challenged or tempted, we have a new opportunity to become even more well acquainted with God’s statutes, the answer and resolution that only comes through divine law. God has a remedy for every affliction in His loving law of Life, and these answers are more than just quick fixes. They are riches that uplift, renew, and continue to give.

The psalmist knew just as Paul later did as well, that fleshly troubles were stepping stones to a higher understanding of God and our reliance on Him, on the infinite good. Each of His statutes is applicable to the errors and trials that would confront us and try to lure us away from our grateful peace. We truly learn and fully appreciate these truths and their power when we put them to use in our lives. Thus our afflictions become a testing ground for God’s laws, for the Science that relies on one God and love for one another, those two great commandments Jesus gave us.

And this understanding gained and put into practice is our treasure. As we overcome these temptations to believe in other gods and powers and purposes, we are able to see Soul’s bounty before us, in us, and in others. Our increased devotion to God is an expansion in blessings, for we are claiming our true inheritance, knowing ourselves to be children of God and gratefully obedient to His cleansing, healing, saving law of Love.

This is today’s e-inspire. These messages are based on passages from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. These books are our “pastor” in Christian Science. Come back every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh inspiration. Or get a free subscription to receive an inspirational message like this one every morning directly to your inbox by contacting me at lamolitercs@aol.com. A downloadable compilation of categorized messages is also available by request.