Saturday, September 7, 2024

Help When We’re Hurting

                                                                    

Photo by 7 Nation Army 2008

As we hear the daily news, it seems that trouble surrounds us – violence, death, wars, civil strife, cybercrime, disease, drought, and famine. In our personal lives, we are all afflicted at some time by suffering through loss of a loved one, sickness, pain, or disability, if not ourselves directly, then a family member or friend. 

In the wake of yet another school shooting, war-related deaths, natural disasters causing widespread destruction, and rampant identity theft, I pray that all readers may find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ, a mighty Fortress from the storms of life.

When we first become born-again believers by placing our faith in the deathburial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we may feel overwhelming relief as He lifts the tremendous burden of sin from our shoulders. But as the days or years pass and our initial euphoria subsides, we may feel disappointed that being Christian does not mean that our problems are over.

Far from it, for Satan targets not only the newly saved believer, but particularly mature leaders who are being most productive for God, and everyone in between (1 Peter 4:12-13; 5:8). God’s Word counsels us to put on the whole armor of God to ward off the attacks of the devil (Ephesians 6:11-18).

No matter how faithful we are to do this, Christians as well as the unsaved can expect the shadow and sorrow of physical death and of all the heartache in this world, for we all still experience the curse of sin during our earthly life (Romans 3:23-24; Genesis 3:16-19).

And yet, praise God, believers have Christ to comfort, heal and deliver us (Psalm 25:12-20; 4256:1-4,13; 116:3-9; 62:5-8; 68:20; Proverbs 24:11-12; Isaiah 38:17; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9). I don’t know how those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus can endure the pain and sadness of this world. Comparing my own emotional life before and after I was saved, I turned from despair and turmoil to joy and peace in the Lord, despite ongoing trials and problems. And yet, no life is free of earthly cares.

Sometimes believers may think that admitting our discouragement, pain, or distress may be disloyal to our Savior, as if we are being ungrateful for the tremendous price He has paid to free us from the punishment for our sins and to give us eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Or some may even be afraid to admit they are going through illness, financial hardship, or relationship problems, as if these show that they lack faith or are being punished for sin.  

The truth is that all Christians hurt from time to time, yet we have Jesus to help us always, in all circumstances and dangers (Isaiah 43:2). He is the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and Who never leaves us nor forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5). He alone can heal us physically and emotionally (Jeremiah 17:14), give us hope (Psalm 62:5), restore the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12) and empower us to live holy lives (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Every born-again believer should also have a trusted brother or sister in Christ as a mentor and/or confidante (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 15:22; 20:5; 27:17), as well as the loving support of a church family (Hebrews 10:25) so that we can bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Although a Bible-preaching, Christ-centered church and Christian friends are invaluable, they may not be available to all believers, and even these suffer from imperfections resulting from our sin nature. Too often we hear of church leaders who lose their testimony and their ability to counsel others effectively when their own sins or burdens interfere with their ministry. Even Paul, chosen by Christ to deliver the Gospel to the Gentiles, to plant churches, and to write 14 books of the Bible, was concerned that he could lose his usefulness to God and that his ministry could be put on the shelf (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Our former (late) Pastor used to say that man will always let you down, but that God will never let you down! (Proverbs 29:25-26). Praise God for His faithfulness! When we suffer, there may be times, circumstances, and people best served by our silence (Ecclesiastes 3:1,7), as complaining or admission of sinful thoughts or acts could actually be a stumbling block and discourage others from their Christian walk, ministry and obedience (Romans 14:13; 15:1; 1 Corinthians 8:9).

But praise God, He is available 24/7, not only willing but actively seeking us to tell Him our troubles, confess our sins (1 John 1:9), and lay our burdens at the foot of His cross. We can boldly approach His throne in prayer knowing that He not only hears us (Psalm 17:6-7), but that He has compassion on us because He has experienced every human grief, yet without sin Hebrews 4:15-16). When believers pray to Him in despair, He listens, encourages us, and answers us (Psalm 10:17; 102:17). If we trust in Him with all our heart, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Not only does He love us infinitely and permanently (Romans 8:37-39), but He has the infinite power and wisdom to do what is best for us. Think about what that means – His perfect love means that He desires to give us His greatest blessings (Luke 11:9-13), and His complete knowledge and power (Psalm 147:5) means that He can accomplish exactly that.

So why are we sometimes disappointed with what we perceive as Him ignoring our prayers, refusing our well-intentioned requests, and allowing trials in our life? His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9), and He sees the total picture while we clutch desperately to one tiny piece of the puzzle

God does not tempt us with evil (James 1:13), yet He may allow us to suffer. If we persist in disobedience and fail to ask for forgiveness, there will be consequences, just as a loving Father disciplines His children to shape their character and behavior (Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19). Yet not all our suffering is the result of our personal sin (John 9:1-3)He sometimes allows us to go through trials to strengthen our faith in and dependence on Him (Romans 5:3-5), and to have the compassion and experience to help others going through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:4-6). 

Praise God that He turns our despair and confusion into joy and peace, if not always in this world, then completely and eternally in Heaven!

© 2016 Laurie Collett

Edited, expanded and reposted from the archives

6 comments:

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie, lovely post. God does allow us to go through trials so that we might be strengthened by them. I go through many physical trials, particularly with my legs at the moment. When we lived down West Wales, I used to do a lot of digging and gardening. I always loved our gardens wherever we lived, and I believe the digging in West Wales contributed to my aching and pain in my joints and knees. However, I have prayed a lot about it and by the side of my computer there is a little message which I really can not believe writing. It says 'Trust and believe that your miracle is coming.' The thing is that, although I can not remember writing that and placing it there , my legs are gradually starting to heal. There has always been the words 'He heals us from all our diseases.' in my mind, and whatever we go through in this world He can bring us through when our faith is strong. The most wonderful thing we will experience through faith in Jesus is eternal life, and I praise and thank Him for His unconditional love for us. God bless you with all He has for us in Jesus Laurie.

Frank E. Blasi said...

Dear Laurie,
As you may already be aware, my beloved has lost most of her lower mobility (she's suffering from Functional Neurological Disorder) and from time to time, suffers severe muscular pain.
During those moments, I get frustrated with God and ask why we must suffer like this while watching fellow Christians in our fellowship enjoying blessings after blessings, a good education, a well-paid career, raising a family, etc.
But afterwards, I'm aware of God's goodness - his blessings in life enabled me to write a travel biography - and I thank him for all these good things, confessing my sins, and giving me a lifelong companion whom I love, cherish, and care for. And that's on top of all our daily provisions.
After seeing on TV all the suffering and malnutrition around the world, we are grateful for our general wellbeing.
Blessings to you and Richard.

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Brenda, I actually replied to your comment a few days ago, but for some reason, it must have failed to publish, as I no longer see it here. My apologies. Praise God that your legs are beginning to heal! Praying with you that this will continue. He is the Great Physician, healing us physically as well as spiritually, Who loves us unconditionally and gives us eternal life even though we are so unworthy, thanks to His grace when we trust Him. May God bless you richly, Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Frank, My apologies for not replying to your comment sooner -- for some reason my notifications were not working properly, and I saw it only now. Prayers for healing for Alex and for grace, comfort and strength for both of you. You are so right -- no matter what trials we experience, we as Christians have so many blessings to be thankful for, especially eternal life.
May God bless you and Alex,
Laurie

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie, I think there is a bit of a problem with my comment section on my blog, so I will be having a bit of a rest from blogging for a while to try to get it sorted out.

Rajani Rehana said...

Superb post
God bless you❤