Psalm 119:65-80

In psalm 119:67 the psalmist looks back on a time before an affliction. That time of suffering was a turning point in his life. Before that time his commitment was flimsy. The affliction hardened his resolve and strengthened his faith. In verse 71 there is the confession of a mature believer; "It was good for me to suffer". Was this stanza of psalm 119 a favorite of James the author of the epistle? The encouragement that he offers those facing suffering (James 1:2-4) seems to fall in line with the truth set forth in this psalm. It also raises many painful questions with which we must wrestle. Can we really be faithful before we have relied upon God in our suffering? Can we truly know God without seeing him at work in our agony? Was there anyway Jesus could have faced death on the cross had he not trusted in God through his passion? 
This passage in the psalm adds to my understanding that God has always allowed his people to enter suffering.  Then he can lead them through the turmoil and out of the anguish by faith.
Stuart