A Proper Perspective on Suffering
July 22nd, 2006God views all suffering. He can see my suffering and the suffering of starving people and Jesus’ suffering and the suffering that hasn’t happened yet but surely will.
God sees the wrongs that cause suffering — hate and envy and rejection of that which is right.
God brings beauty out of suffering. Often there is regret for a failed marriage but joy in the children that came from it. Working through one’s suffering may produce a character that is less selfish and more considerate of others. Jesus’ suffering brings us hope.
I see relatively little suffering and what I do see I do not handle well. When I am depressed I am so low that I fail to note the level of despair to which I have sunk until after it is over, hardly a healthy frame of mind
I think this is because I am overly focused on my own pain. I do not look at Jesus’ suffering. I forget about eternity or next year or even next week. I refuse to dwell on the beauty that will be there long after the wound is healed.
I am convinced that my solution lies in serious contemplation of God’s perspective, not only during suffering, but before it ever happens.
Try “The Slumber Of Christianity” by Ted Dekker.
i think most people in pain (physical, emotional, whatever) focus inwardly…that’s why i need and love your advice to contemplate God’s perspective in advance…be steeped in his love…be proactive, because suffering is a guarantee (”in the world, you will have trouble”)…
e.e says to reach out to someone else who is suffering when you’re in pain, and minister to them. (i couldn’t help include her in this post on suffering. you, shannon, know the incredible restraint i’ve demonstrated by only putting *one* ee idea!!!)
I just noticed that I posted on suffering on our sixth wedding anniversary!
Congratulations on six years of suffering with CJ.
Let’s see, I think the #6 present is supposed to be wood.
And the flowers are calla lilies.
Did you go out to dinner, at least?