"You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again." Psalms 71:20-21 (NLT)
When was the last time you pitied yourself because of a challenging situation in your life?
We all have suffered, are suffering, and may continue to suffer in the future. It would not be a stretch to say that suffering is a reality in our lives.
Some might feel as though a hole has been dug in their heart, leaving an empty space and feeling pained in the end. Another can feel as though his heart is constantly squeezed, ending up all sore and inundated with pain. Suffering might vary from one person to person, but pain is always a perpetual product.
What a sad reality to think about. However, fear not.
For as you ponder on this truth, comfort and peace can both be found and are free for you to enjoy. Salvation in His name grants us not only access to Heaven but also to the ways to endure in this world as we fulfill our God-given purpose.
If there is one vital realization I hold near and dear to my life, it is the fact that this world may always bring me pain yet I shall decidedly never stray my eyes away from my Master and Saviour. The fact that pain and suffering is real in this world is not an obscure knowledge— and thank God, because being aware of its implications has helped me win numerous battles as a Christian.
Oftentimes, this world can feel suffocating—like a parasite that slowly drains the life out of you. Furthermore, it is so easy to get addicted to the world because of the many pleasures it can offer. Naive as we are, there may have been times we have fallen victim to its enticement.
It would be in our best interest to remember that God placed each one of us in this world for a purpose. However, we should never forget to fix our eyes on the One who placed us here, not the place he placed us in.
1 John 2:15 shows us a glimpse of how deceitful this world can be. It tells us, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."
Truth be told, God is indeed amazing. He sustains us, empowers us, and comforts us. If we are to study His character carefully and with fervor, we would see how blessed we are to have a Master who is as loving as He is. To God be all the Glory!
Reflection Points
God may allow us to experience the suffering this world may cause, but God Himself is not the cause of pain and suffering.
The earth can tighten its clutches on us if we are too focused on it.
Genuine peace and comfort can be found through God, never through the world.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Once again, without fail, you have shown us mercy and kindness by allowing us to feel your comfort and peace. Thank you for always reminding us to focus our eyes on you and not on this world. You have saved us time and time again, and we know we can never reciprocate your love with the same degree. Still, you continue to be our loving Master. Thank you once again.
May we always choose to turn our hearts to you whenever suffering seems to swallow us. You have bestowed us the privilege to enter your Kingdom and have even provided the things we need as we fulfill the mission you have given us. We love you.
All this we ask in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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Rio Angela Bellosillo