We all face suffering, at times, in this life. It is very difficult and challenging. It can feel like God is absent and does not care about what we are going through. We may be experiencing this right now or have in the past. We may ask ‘where is God when I am suffering?’
Psalm 23 highlights that God is with us when we walk through dark valleys:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” (NLT Translation)
He is close beside me in suffering. This is good news. He is not far off. He is near. He is close. He cares for us deeply.
In his book Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, Tim Keller says, “suffering transforms our attitude toward ourselves. It humbles us and removes unrealistic self-regard and pride. It shows us how fragile we are… average people in Western society have extremely unrealistic ideas of how much control they have over how their lives go. Suffering removes the blinders. It does not so much make us helpless and out of control as it shows us we have always been vulnerable and dependent on God. Suffering merely helps us wake up to that fact and live in accordance with it.”
When I am suffering I can miss His presence and fix my eyes on my problem, my fear, my worry, my circumstances, my future, etc.
Instead, I need to fix my eyes on Jesus and hand over my suffering and weakness to Him to lead me through one moment at a time and one day at a time!
Hebrews 12:1-3 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (NLT Translation)
“When we fix our eyes on Jesus and His presence during difficult times we are emboldened by his presence. We are encouraged by his example. We are empowered by his strength” (p. 76 Jesus Centered by Steve Brown).
I encourage you to look to Jesus and His presence in times of suffering and weakness. He walks beside you and wants to bring you His comfort.
***
Kevin Nethercott is the director at YFC/Youth Unlimited North Perth.
