The things we go through in life can often blur our vision of God. Instead of seeing God for who He really is, the trauma, the loss, the illness can hinder who the Bible declares God to be.
I know from our own experience that trauma and suffering can make God can seem very different to who He was before our son’s accident. If I’m not careful the lens of trauma can make God seem Uncaring, To blame, Distant, Unforgiving, Unresponsive, Unconcerned with little or no mercy.
I can really sympathise with unbelievers who have issue with ‘God’ because of the situation they find themselves in. There are enough barriers to belief in God without suffering in the mix. We find it difficult to find and know God because of the hardness of our hearts, because we are drawn to sin rather than a God who has put away our sin. When hard times hit, our hearts can become even harder to the things of God and this is all very understandable. I am far far more compassionate and understanding towards unbelievers who have suffered greatly and find belief in God absurd.
None of us will know the answers to the question of suffering on this side of eternity. However, we can with God’s help and those who love and care for us find a way through the suffering. This in turn will help us find a better more reasoned view of God and who He is.
The first thing to say is that God does not change. (Micah 3:6; Heb 13:8) He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whatever happen to us in this life, no matter how horrific and soul destroying it is, God didn’t all of a sudden change.
I have to constantly remind myself that God is…
Merciful “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
Caring “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV
Attentive “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; “ Psalm 34:15 NIV
Close “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 35:18 NIV
As we begin another year, we need to know that God is for us, He is not against us. How do I know this? I know this because He has come to this earth in the person of His Son, Jesus. Instead of seeing the death of Jesus as the wrath of God poured out, let’s look again and know that it was because of His great love for each and everyone of us, that He came, lived, died, rose again and is waiting to return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. These are the lens I need to wear. Yes, there are many many times when I live with the lens of suffering, but I and you are able to put on the lens that shows us who God is.
This does not mean that we’re not real about the things we go through. It doesn’t mean we ignore the facts. Do I hate the fact the the holocaust happened? Of course. Do I struggle hugely with the fact that our son’s life has changed dramatically due to a freak accident? You bet I do. Does my blood boil when I hear of young children being abused and even murdered? It goes without saying. It also doesn’t mean that we don’t ask the tough questions. We’re not very good at that at times. Let’s do it more. We may not get the answers we desire but it is part of the healing process. One of the questions that we could ask is ‘From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD,who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121v1b-2
‘Why doesn’t God just step in and sort it all out’ we cry. God is one day going to put all the wrongs of this world, right. He is a God of justice and we will all experience that justice in one way or another. Reward or penalty. He knows and nothing goes unnoticed before the one who sees all and knows all. If He choose to execute justice now in this life, would any of us stand? in that sense God has limited Himself (self limitation), especially believed in some Jewish quarters. But the day will come.
Let’s be real and know that we aren’t going to see and experience God as we should in this life. Paul reminds us that we now only see in part but then face to face. 1 Cor 13:12 Suffering will blur our vision of God. However we can go back to His Word and be reminded of who He is and use a different lens.
Prayer: Dear Lord,
You indeed are a God who knows all about suffering, especially seen in the suffering of Your Son. We thank You that You are indeed a God who is compassionate towards Your creation. When we hurt, You hurt. I pray that You would draw near to those who suffer and that You would surround them with family and friends who can show that love and care. We look forward to the day when we will see You and know You truly as You are. Amen
Resources: I have found the following two books particularly helpful on this subject. I don’t necessarily agree with everything written, but as always glean from what is said there.
The Gospel according to Moses: What My Jewish Friends Taught Me about Jesus by Athol Dickson
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner
Encouraging message, thank you 🙏
Good post brother. A very healthy perspective for the new year.
Good post we often aren't honest with ourselves and how we feel which I think is a disappointment to God as he knows already anyway and just wants us to be real with him