These verses actually fill up two sections; I'm floating between the two. I like the connection between verse 59 - "I considered my ways, and turned my feet to Thy testimonies" and verse 67 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Thy word".
This makes me think of Galatians 5:16-17 when he says " Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."
Before I was converted/born again there was no war going on inside me between the two (flesh and Spirit) I just did what I wanted to without any real concern... yes there was some understanding that what I was doing was wrong, but nothing like a strong conviction; I would just make excuses and rationalize away the sin I was involved in. Now it's different... there is a war inside me. I here the two (flesh and spirit) screaming at each other. Each time I sin or make a wrong decision I feel "afflicted" in my gut and the worst thing I can do is ignore it. I also sense it before I sin... like a radar or warning signal to turn the other way... Now I "keep His word" not perfectly but the direction I aim at rather than my flesh. My decision making is based on "is this Biblical" or "will this honor God". The sad thing is I'm not perfect at it, but it's solid assurance that He is there because He is afflicting me like a father discipling his child.
His continual presence is an amazing reality. Even when He pulls away because of my sin; His pulling away is felt. Everything does, and should, revolve around Him.
"It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Thy statutes."
"The law of Thy mouth is better to me thatn thousands of gold and silver pieces." -119:71-72
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