Suffering 2020
Job 3:25 New International Version (NIV)
25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.
Suffering has taken the world by storm! Depression and Hopelessness infest the minds and hearts of people worldwide. The havoc of COVID-19, hatred, and division have created a noticeable divide throughout the country. This level of hurt, anger, and division further pushes the country into a place of darkness. These transgressions persist despite protests around the world to end social inequalities and injustice. We cannot help but wonder how much longer the world will experience this kind of excruciating pain and suffering.
We must question this pain and suffering?
Those who still work from a place of love and hope are becoming overwhelmed from the uphill battle of the current conditions. Something must happen to end the pain and suffering. I believe it is possible to rise out of pain and suffering if we seek God in the depths of our circumstances. King David endured great suffering and realized that God was always present in his life.
Psalms 119:50 New International Version (NIV)
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
I encourage all of us to stand on God’s promises as we experience the 2020 adversities. Dive into your word, understand God’s promises to us! Lean into the Holy Scriptures and allow it to take root in our hearts. Pray that God will open our hearts to an understanding that will transform our lives despite the current hardships. In times like these, we must not only think of ourselves; we must reach out to our neighbors to encourage them with the promises of God. Let us each demonstrate our love for God in action.
Mark 12:30-31 New International Version (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a]
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”
God’s commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. A first step toward healing our world is to accept that love overcomes hatred. Introspection can help us recognize where to spend our energy. If we redirect our attention to what matters, we will find ourselves more willing to love, forgive, create meaningful moments, and find joy again.
What can we do to resolve the pain and suffering that exist in our world?
Be willing to have uncomfortable conversations. Growth means stretching have conversations that require active listening. So that when it is your turn to speak, your words offer love and compassion. It will be hard at times because the current condition of the world is emotionally provoking. But when your emotions challenge you, remember honey is always better than vinegar.
Steps you can take toward healing:
Recognize the suffering in the world today and how it affects you and others.
Learn the promises of God so that you can withstand these challenging times with assurance.
Love God, self and your neighbors during these difficult days.
Have challenging conversations that address the problems.
Become a part of the solution.
Finally, never forget the words of the Apostle Paul concerning suffering.
Romans 8:18 King James Version (KJV)
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Contributor: Alexus Haynie, M.S