Comfort In Times of Affliction
- Elijah McSwain
- Oct 31, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
10/31/2025
Elijah McSwain, Sr.
Psalm 119:50 (NKJV) "This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life."
The author of Psalm 119 is unknown. However, the unknown authorship does not diminish or lessen its significant meaning. Ultimately, the divine author is God, who permitted the unknown human author to write such eloquent and elaborate words. Psalm 119 is known to be the longest psalm written. It is also recognized as the longest division or single unit of the Bible in the sense of a number or chapter. This poetic Hebrew hymn is an acrostic psalm. It is divided into twenty-two sections, each consisting of eight verses that correspond with the Hebrew alphabet. The structure of this acrostic psalm is unique and reveals essential truths in its design. William MacDonald used F.W. Grant's outline to demonstrate the impactful nature of Psalm 119. He wrote that “The following subject headings for the various sections of the Psalm are based primarily on F. W. Grant’s notes:
vv. 1-8 The Blessedness of Obeying the Word
vv. 9-16 Cleansing By the Word
vv. 17-24 Discernment By the Word
vv. 25-32 Sense of Personal Insufficiency Through the Word
vv. 33-40 The Power of the Word
vv. 41-48 Victory Through the Word
vv. 49-56 Rest and Comfort Through the Word
vv. 57-64 Perseverance in the Word
vv. 65-72 The Pricelessness of the Word in Good and Evil Times
vv. 73-80 Insights Through the Word
vv. 81-88 The Afflicted One Sustained By the Word
vv. 89-96 Eternity of the Word
vv. 97-104 Wisdom Through the Word
vv. 105-112 The Word a Lamp and Light For All Occasions
vv. 113-120 The Wicked and the Word
vv. 121-128 Separation and Deliverance Through the Word
vv. 129-136 Joy and Communion Through the Word
vv. 137-144 Zeal For the Word
vv. 145-152 Experience Through the Word
vv. 153-160 Salvation Through the Word
vv. 161-168 Perfection of the Word
vv. 169-176 Prayer and Praise Through the Word”. 1
Clearly, based on the subject headings of each section, every topic emphasizes God’s Word in some way. Psalm 119 is packed with synonyms for God’s Word, such as testimonies, word, law, statutes, commandments, precepts, judgments, and ordinances. One of the concepts for the design or structural form of this biblical passage is to give order and aid in moments that are daunting and alarming in our lives. Apparently, the psalmist found himself in a disheartening situation. Therefore, he was resolved to find the comfort that he needed in God’s Word. When engaging with Psalm 119:50, the main idea is that God offers comfort through His Word during times of trouble.
The Presence of Affliction
Unfortunately, problems and afflictions are part of our human experience.
The reality of being confronted with duress, disturbance, misery, frustration, trouble, and other forms of disruption in life is unavoidable. Problematic issues are a natural part of living in a fallen world that is under the curse of sin.
Job 14:1 (ESV) acknowledges “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.” Life is comprised of difficult moments. Issues, challenges, and unfavorable circumstances will arise during our lifetime. Job 5:6-7 NKJV affirms, “For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground; Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.”
Turmoil and discomfort become apparent as soon as we are born into the physical realm of a troublesome world.
The psalmist acknowledged the presence of some form of affliction. He mentioned the phrase “in my affliction”. Whatever was present in his life brought pain, anguish, and hardship. A surmountable issue disrupted his life, disturbed his peace, and attempted to unsettle his comfort. When we are afflicted, we usually cry “woe is me”, but we need to look to the place of comfort.
No one on earth is exempt from facing the afflictions of life. Therefore, we should not be alarmed because as we are born, we are destined to face trouble. This should remind us that difficulties are a consequence of living in this world. It is not that we seek trouble or welcome it, but being aware of trouble’s presence at any moment will help us understand that problems will naturally come our way.
However, when calamities come upon us, who do we turn to for comfort, or where do we go for comfort? The psalmist declared that he sought comfort in God’s Word.
The Place of Comfort
During turbulent times, the psalmist turned to his place of comfort to find peace amid chaos and distress. He penned, “This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.” The Word of God was his source of power and strength in adverse situations. Albert Barnes noted, “his only consolation in his affliction was derived from the word of God; the word which had caused him to hope, and the word by which he had been quickened or made alive. The particular design of this is to show the value of the word of God as a source of comfort in trouble.” 2 His life was comforted by God’s Word. He was given reassurance in God’s Word. During his affliction, he cleaved to the Word, and the Word of life gave him consolation.
Scripture provides relief from the climactic pressures of life. Therefore, whatever we go through in life, God’s Word is therapeutic for our minds and souls.
For every problem, the Word offers comfort by providing a solution. For every pain, the Word provides comfort by easing and lifting our burdens. For every concern, the Word guides us in the right direction. For your mental anguish, God’s Word provides comfort by freeing the mind from distress and suffering mentally. For your grief, Scripture consoles the brokenhearted. For every frustration, the Word offers comfort by providing clarity and guides us to the source of dependency. For every setback, God’s Word gives comfort by navigating and ordering our steps to overcome obstacles.
In times of hopelessness, the Bible offers comfort and reassurance through a living hope, a blessed hope, and a hope as the anchor of our souls that is firm and secure. For every damaged relationship, the Word provides comfort on the pathway to reconciliation and restoration. For every sickness, the Word provides comfort regarding God, who was a healer. When you are afflicted with weariness, His Word gives strength to the faint in heart. No matter the circumstance or dire situation, look to the Word of God for comfort amid despair. Exercise the privilege of seeking divine guidance from God through His Word.
When we seek God vertically, we will not allow what happens horizontally to drown us in sorrow.
Drowning in the sorrows of life will darken our way, but seeking the light of God through His precepts will brighten our way. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Comfort is desirable at all times; but comfort in affliction is like a lamp in a dark place.” 3 The psalmist would later declare in this psalm, particularly in Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The psalmist recalled the Lord’s judgments. In verse 52 of Psalm 119 (NKJV), he said, “I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, and have comforted myself.”
Recalling God’s Word to mind will comfort our ailing hearts during affliction. His Word will illuminate our minds when the darkness of affliction attempts to overshadow us. Scripture offers insight during times of despair. Psalm 94:19 (NKJV) mentions, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Romans 15:4 (NKJV) reveals “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
When we are perplexed by our afflictions, let us not indulge in self-pity, but let us eat from the Book that we may be comforted.
Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV) records the words of Jeremiah the prophet during a trying moment. Jeremiah said, “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, LORD God of hosts.” Eat from the Book so that the author of the Book will cause us to hope (cf. Psalm 119:49). The Word of God will alleviate being cast down, burdened, puzzled, and troubled. Psalm 42:11 (NKJV) mentions, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” God is our blessed hope. He is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our tribulations (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
There is a portion of a song from the Chicago Mass Choir that is written:
“When troubles around me, I can go to the rock
God promised, that He would keep me, if I abide in His holy word
No matter what the problem, I can go to the rock.” 4
As the rock, He provides strength and stability to those burdened by suffering and affliction. He is a refuge and a strong tower that comforts us by sheltering us. Therefore, seek refuge and fortitude in Scripture so that He will grant comfort during times of adversity.
The Powerful Effect of God’s Word
Psalm 119:50 (NKJV) concludes, “This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.”
The psalmist asserted that the Word of God reinvigorated his soul.
Earlier in this passage, the author stated in Psalm 119:25 (NKJV) — “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” He sought to be revived in verse twenty-five, and the manifestation of being revived is depicted in verse fifty. He received a renewed mindset, was spiritually restored and energized through the refreshing of God’s Word.
Problems negatively impact a person overall. It has a damaging effect on us as humans. Often, afflictions drain the human soul, deplete the physical body of energy, and leave a person emotionally exhausted.
The body becomes restless, the mind grows distraught, and the soul grows weary. Thus, a person needs to be rejuvenated and refreshed. Refreshment provides fresh insights and gives new vigor for any dilemma. The reason for receiving new life amid calamity is that life is handled from a divine perspective or vertical plane, rather than a humanistic perspective or horizontal plane.
The Word of God enlightens the mind, offers understanding, and brings calm to the body when we comprehend the power of the Word in connection with its author.
Matthew Poole assessed that the writer acknowledged that the Lord “hath preserved my life in manifold dangers, and hath revived and cheered my spirit.” 5 The Word of God transforms lives from drowning in sorrow to being restored to a state of vibrancy. The Bible gives life by encouraging the discouraged. The Bible gives life by granting peace to the distraught. Scripture gives life by healing the broken. God’s Word offers new life by providing clarity amid confusion. The Word gives life by transforming the mind to be hopeful regardless of any situation or affliction.
In this same section of this acrostic psalm in Psalm 119:54-55 (NKJV), it is written, “Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, And I keep Your law.” Life can feel like the darkness of night. Problems can overshadow the joy that we have in the Lord. But when the night of affliction comes, remember the Lord’s name and the power associated with His name. He is our refuge and strong tower, a very present help in a time of need. The righteous run to Him and are safe. When we remember who God is from Scripture, we can joyfully sing praises to our Deliverer.
When we tap into the power of the Word and the divine penmanship of the Word, God can bless us with the ability to sing a new song.
David declared in Psalm 40:1-3 (NKJV)— “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.” Allow the Word of God to provide you with comfort in times of affliction.
Let His Word renew your perspective and fill you with a fresh sense of life. Allow Scripture to put a new song in your heart and praise on your lips.
Take comfort in the Word of God so that you can make the claim, “This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.”
Notes
The Believer’s Bible Commentary
Barnes, Albert. 1870–1872. Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms. Vol. 3. London: Blackie & Son.
Spurgeon, C. H. n.d. The Treasury of David: Psalms 111-119. Vol. 5. London; Edinburgh; New York: Marshall Brothers.
Song by Chicago Mass Choir. I Can Go To The Rock.
