Are you fearful about the future?
Does the current state of life in this world bring anxiety to your heart?
Are you asking, “When will the suffering end?”
May I invite you to soak your soul in these settling truths?
1. No man is ready to live until he is ready to die.
Obviously, this statement is not original to me, but it is so true. At some point, every man is going to die (Hebrews 9:26). The most important question that must be answered is, “Where will you spend eternity?” When you are assured of an eternity in heaven in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ with the millions of the family of God, then you are ready to live here because your future is secure and settled (John 14:1-6).
The greatest tragedy each day is the death of an unbeliever who will spend an eternity in hell because he rejected Christ Who paid the price for his sins (Luke 16:19-31). These await the Great White Throne Judgment and the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
2. Suffering is an inherent part of life.
Suffering began the moment sin entered into the world (Genesis 3; Romans 8:20). Then and now, all creation groans due to the sin curse (Genesis 3:14-19). All creation is enveloped in a common misery of varying degrees from a sleepless nights to murders, wars, tornadoes, etc.
As believers in Christ, we await the fulfillment of Revelation 21:1-5 and 22:1-6.
In the meantime, grace is sufficient for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9), wisdom is over-abundant in the trial (James 1:5), peace that is unexplainable and overwhelming is matched for each trial (Philippians 4:6-8), and the God of all comfort dwells in every believer (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Christianity is not the removal of suffering, but the addition of grace to endure suffering triumphantly! (Thomas Watson)
3. We have hope that does not disappoint.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:1-5).
4. The starting point in all suffering is always God.
Just as Genesis 1:1 says, In the beginning, God, we must begin with His character and promises at the beginning of suffering, at the beginning of each thought about suffering, and at the beginning of any discussion about suffering. If we do not start with God and His promises, then human viewpoint will overwhelm our thoughts and actions which leads to discouragement, despair, despondency and doubt.
The Psalmist shows the right response to his distress by preaching the Truth to himself by beginning with God, not the trial.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (42:5)
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (42:11)
All of us experience unsettling moments, days or seasons of life. Who is your rest? Will you allow the Word to settle you?
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect (restore), establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)
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