Lieutenant Paul Galanti, a US Navy pilot, spent 6 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The experience has given him a heightened sense of ordinary privileges that most of us take for granted. Speaking of his life today, nearly three decades after being released, Galanti says, "There's no such thing as a bad day when there's a doorknob on the inside of the door."

After 2,300 straight days in a locked cell, you might consider the privilege of walking outside whenever you please to be one of life's greatest luxuries.

The writer of Psalm 119 makes the startling statement, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes" (v.71). From a time of suffering, the psalmist gained a greater love for God and an increased appreciation for His commands. "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your Word" (v.67).

Perhaps you can identify with the words of the psalmist. You've "been there" and you know what he means. Or you may be in the middle of a great hardship today. When the days are dark and relief is out of sight, we need to cling to what we know to be true about the goodness and faithfulness of God. And then, when He brings us out into the light, we too will see the results and thank God for the legacy of affliction.  — David C. McCasland