Good in afflictions - Joseph Williams

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees." Psalm 119:71 

I find afflictions to be good for me. I have always found them so. Afflictions are happy means in the hands of the Holy Spirit to subdue . . .
  my corruptions,
  my pride,
  my evil passions, and
  my inordinate love to the creature. 

Afflictions . . .
  soften my hard heart, 
  bring me to my knees,
  increase faith,
  increase love,
  increase humility,
  increase self-denial. 
Afflictions make me poor in spirit, and nothing in my own eyes! 

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word." Psalm 119:67 

"I know, O LORD, that in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75