Here is what I have learned in these past days, as I have searched for answers related to suffering. I have gathered these notes from church sermons, John Piper podcasts, and the Bible.
- God may bring us suffering to draw us closer to Him and develop a deeper dependency on Him
- Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- God hears our cries
- Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
- God allows the mourning, but promises to mend
- Job 5:18 For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.
- He does not owe us anything, He is a God who gives and takes. We are to praise Him either way.
- Job 1:21 – “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
- God promises to bring us joy, He will not leave us in the dark forever
- Psalm 30:5 – weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
- Psalm 30: 11-12 – You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
- We can still have joy amidst the suffering, a joy rooted in God’s grace
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Affliction may save us by redirecting us towards God
- Psalm 119:67 – Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
- Psalm 119:71 – It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
- We may be afflicted, but never crushed
- 2 Corinthians 4:8 – We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
- Our suffering will not last forever
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
- Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
- Revelation 21: 4 – ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- 1 Peter 5:10 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
- God repeatedly tells us He is with us and commands us to be still. We can draw our strength and peace from Him.
- Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 58: 11 – The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
- Psalm 94:18-19 – When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
- Psalm 62:8 – Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
- Suffering helps us develop a deep empathy and compassion for others
- 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
- Trials uproot what lies in our hearts
- James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
- Romans 5:3-4 – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
- Cast your cares on Him
- John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
- God is faithful and promises us a hopeful future
- Psalm 23:6 – Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
- Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- A life loving God is one of praise, gratitude, and showing others what He has shown us, grace, love, generosity
- Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
- Ephesians 5: 1-2 – “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
The Ophelia Edit 