Here is a strange sight!

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"Happy is the man whom God corrects." Job 5:17

Affliction is a means to make us happy. It seems
strange to flesh and blood—that affliction should
make us happy. When Moses saw the bush burning
and not consumed, he said "I will turn aside and see
this strange sight!" Exod 3:3. Likewise, here is a
strange sight—a man afflicted, and yet happy. The
world counts them happy—who can escape affliction;
but truly happy is the man whom God corrects.

How do afflictions contribute to our happiness?

Afflictions make us happy—as they are a means of
bringing us nearer to God. The loadstone of prosperity
does not draw us so near to God, as the cords of affliction.
When the prodigal was pinched with need, he said, "I will
arise—and go to my father!" Luke 15:18. As the deluge
brought the dove to the ark—the floods of sorrow make
us hasten to Christ, our ark!

Afflictions make us happy—as they are safe guides to
glory. The storm drives the ship into the harbor. Blessed
storm—which drives the soul into the heavenly harbor!
Is it not better—to go through momentary affliction to
eternal glory—than to go through momentary pleasure to
eternal misery? The wicked must drink a sea of wrath;
but the godly have only a cup of affliction.

Think, O Christian—what affliction leads to! It leads to
paradise, where rivers of pleasure are always running!

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we
 are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed
 day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are
 achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
 them all." 2 Corinthians 4:16-17