Suffering

Psalm 30:11 

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sack cloth and clothed me with Joy.”

Nothing is more common than suffering. Nothing is less wanted either. We need the pain to stop. God promises to transform our pain and he also promises to walk with us until that happens.

Sometimes pain is productive. It brings an immediate reward, like the birth of a child. Such pain is more easily bearable.

At other times pain appears to be pointless. It has no apparent purpose. It gives nothing and seems to take everything. It is Job-like.

While there may be a deeper purpose in our pain this is of no real help while we suffer if we can’t see that purpose. The feelings of forsakenness often overwhelm us. (Ps 22:1)

The bible talks a lot about suffering. There is one constant message. God is there when you suffer and he WILL end your suffering. God will remove your sack cloth (a symbol of bitter mourning). He will end the wailing.

So how is one meant to live while we wait for that to happen? Here are four pre-dance promises from 1 Peter:

• Suffering is only for a little while. “For a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6, 5:10; 2 Cor. 4:17; Rom. 8:18) Compared to the extent of God’s blessings and the depth of his restoration, the troubles we face just now are like a momentary inconvenience.
  
• God genuinely cares. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Even when you don’t feel his presence act in this way. Throw your troubles to God.
  
• You are not suffering alone. “The family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9) Pain can isolate you. Hurting people often feel unique. It is not true. Open up to others when you hurt. There is help.
  
• Jesus can teach you how to suffer well. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21) We celebrate the life of Jesus as a model for ethics. We acknowledge his death as an act of love that takes away our sins. Never forget that he is also the sympathetic saviour who teaches us how to suffer.

Christians are not protected from suffering. In fact we are thrust into it. Christians are instructed to take up crosses. We are invited to join the battle. (Mk. 8:34; 2 Tim. 2:3) We are called to suffer with other people and to confront injustice in this world. We are meant to enter the world's pain for the sake of its hope. But with this we are promised so much more.

Here is the blunt advice of Jesus and Paul:

• Jesus “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
• Paul “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

Suffering is inevitable. But take heart! Rejoice even! It will soon be time to dance. God has overcome the world. Jesus’ Kingdom is approaching. It’s soon time to trade your sack cloth and ashes for Joy and laughter. It is nearly time to dance!