Martin Luther on Psalm 51, verse 17 (translated by H.C. Oswald for PSALMS 1 - 59 commentary)

This is the sweetest, most beautiful promise.  If a person could only believe it, that our afflictions are for God the most acceptable sacrifices. . .(1) To Preach, (2) To Suffer and To Be Disquieted -- these please our God and are his finest sacrifices.  He is here not speaking of the sacrifice of praise  Humiliation is the greatest sacrifice, because it happens to the old hu/man. . .So do our afflictions please God that one is equal to a thousand sacrifices before God.  A disquieted spirit is a greater sacrifice than all the sacrifices of Leviticus.  Yes, indeed, if a person could only believe it" (From Luther's Works ERLANGEN Edition Vol. 17: 225f.).