Suffering has been in this world for a long, long, long time. And, if you’ve been on this planet as long as I’ve been experiencing life, you have earned some right to express your thoughts on this particular topic with some authority.
A few days back, I was referred to a YouTube video — a sermon produced in 2008 that wonderfully presents the subject of suffering.
Tim Keller, an apologist and preacher, recently departed this world for his eternal home in Heaven. He has left behind numerous literary works and audio messages that may be helpful in your spiritual growth.
Sizing up suffering seems a worthy topic, since we will certainly be faced with suffering from time to time in our lives.
I’m confronted quite frequently by those who are dealing with suffering. Many are Christians and many are not.
Suffering does not discriminate — it takes on all who breathe the air that sustains us. So, let’s dig into this universal topic.
Let’s address a handful of the ways humankind suffers. We can suffer physically, financially and relationally.
The Book of Job, which is often considered the oldest of the 66 books of the Bible, is a worthwhile presentation of human suffering. I suggest you allocate a half-hour to listen to Keller’s 2008 sermon, “Questions of Suffering,” as a resource.
What I’d like to address in the following paragraphs will not be the WHY but the HOW, along with the impact on ourselves and others who witness our personal suffering.
Most of the physical suffering we experience in our younger years comes from accidents and injuries. These events can be debilitating and cause anxiety and depression, since we’re unable to carry on our youthful activities and aspirations.
Our midlife suffering will usually take on a different blush. As our bodies break down and our metabolism gradually changes, we often succumb to illnesses that jeopardize our lifestyles.
Then as we near the end of life, nearly all will face medical complications and gradually become at least somewhat dependent on caregivers.
Personal financial suffering first comes into play as we reach the age of accountability. We must face the challenges of employment coupled with fiscal responsibility and not succumb to overspending.
Sadly, many quickly become indebted to this world and sense there’s no way out of their dismal dilemma.
Many in their retirement years become deeply distressed by their inability to stay afloat financially. Managing their limited resources can create unbearable stress and suffering.
The depth of our personal suffering can be immense. Those who dearly care for another’s well-being find themselves in a precarious position. They are greatly limited in how they can actually care for those who suffer physically.
Observing suffering can seem quite hopeless. For those who place their trust in Christ, the power of prayer becomes a wonderful tool to remove the personal pain relationally.
I speak from experience. Leaving my concerns in the Lord’s care allows His peace to shelter us from potential harm.
Suffering is real and we all come face-to-face with it frequently, either physically, financially or relationally.
Rather than confronting this silent enemy on your own, please consider allowing the Holy Spirit to comfort you going forward.
He alone can calm the storms of life!