The myth about suffering

March 17, 2021 (Wednesday)

 

There is a myth about suffering. Somehow we have planted the idea that the Christian life is an easy one, void of trouble, tribulation, and torment. We tend to believe adversity and anguish will be absent if we follow Jesus.

 

I wish, seriously. The reality is God’s people will suffer. Sometimes for different reasons. Psalm 107:4 – 5 describe some of this suffering, “Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died.” [NLT] Yikes! Homeless seems to be a horrible circumstance. People become homeless due to war, persecution, mental illness, and shifting economic realities.

 

Just a reality to think through, Jesus was homeless. In a section where Jesus discourages people to follow Him we read, “But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” [Matthew 8:20 ESV] Jesus never made following Him easy. In fact, Jesus makes it very difficult to follow. More on that another day.

 

The Psalmist gives another reason for suffering, “They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High.” [Psalm 107:11 NLT] This is self-inflicted. The results are, “Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery.” [Psalm 107:10 NLT] I think I am on solid theological ground by claiming SOME mental illness (such as depression) comes from rebelling against God. Consider that one very carefully.

 

Our fearless Psalmist continues, “Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins.  They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door.” [Psalm 107:11 NLT] The word “fool” is a technical one. It is someone who behaves like there is no God (see Psalm 14:1). These are what C.S. Lewis calls “practical atheists.” It’s someone who knows better but behaves badly.

 

The next group of people are more subtle. They are the ones who go through life with little regard for God. “Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world.” [Proverbs 107:23 NLT] We are not directed specifically to what this group did to earn horrible circumstances. We do read, “They staggered and stumbled around like they were drunk. None of their skill was of any help.” [Psalm 107:27 CEB] This suggests self-sufficiency or the chase for wealth at the cost of ignoring God.

 

Wow is today a downer! Never fear, all this doom and gloom comes in the context of praise. Let’s flip the script on the misery a second and look at the reality. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” [Psalm 107:1 ESV] What could possibly merit praise? I am so glad you asked!!!

 

First, we see the “good” character of God. What God does is good, even if it doesn’t feel good or leads to loss. Second, we can always count on God’s “steadfast love.” Nothing rocks, shocks, or knocks God’s love. Finally, this love “endures forever.” I have heard (and said) “forever” is a long time to be someplace you don’t want to be… It’s also just about the right time for being someplace you want to be…

 

Notice all this doom and gloom are about “the redeemed.” Psalm 107:2 tells us, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.” [ESV] Every one of the doom and gloom categories cried to the Lord (see 107:6, 13, 19, 28) and when they were delivered they advised to be thankful (see 107:8, 15, 21, 31).   

 

Desperation is a good place to be. It teaches absolute, unconditional, and complete trust. Maybe today, this finds you desperate. Cry out to God, turn to Jesus, and prosper!