Suffering

We aren't always joyous, and sometimes we're down. A reflection on suffering with the reading of three poems.

Featuring readings of When You Are Anxious and When Loved Ones Die from Meet My Friend, and Suffering from Be Refreshed.

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I’ve called this episode Suffering. The Bible tells us that even if we are true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, it doesn’t mean that our life will be free of sorrow. Suffering in one way or another cannot be avoided, but it does mean that when we are going through hard times, we are not alone. Jesus is beside us.

He knows when we are suffering and always listens when we ask him to help us. There are times when we might feel our suffering is too hard to bear. It is then that the Lord carries us. I encourage you to read the poem Footprints in the Sand by Margaret Fishback Powers [exact attribution unclear]. I find that poem is of great comfort in times of deep despair or pain.

In Matthew chapter 11, verse 28, Jesus said: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Allow me to read to you my poem on suffering, which I’ve taken from Romans chapter 8, verse 18: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

God didn’t promise us all through this life,
That we would be free from all suffering and strife,
Or that at times we would face deep despair,
But He did promise that He’d always be there.

God didn’t promise from pain we’d be free,
But Jesus did tell us to, ‘Come unto me.’
So go to the Lord with problems and grief,
Sharing with the Saviour will bring such relief.

Suffering can bring us back to the Lord’s way,
If we’ve wandered from Him and been led astray,
Draw close to God, bring before Him your woes,
For how you suffer our Lord truly knows.

Problems in sickness, or grieving or doubt,
Whatever the anguish God will sort it out,
For suffering of all kinds takes many a road;
Talking to Jesus will lighten the load.

Faith can be strengthened when put to the test,
Look unto the Lord to bring you peace and rest,
He’ll walk with you when you stumble or fall,
Whatever the suffering on you may befall.

We face sorrow but mercy does abound,
For on the horizon in our Lord is found,
A place for us where there’s freedom from pain,
Where the Almighty God forever will reign.

Feeling anxious can be overwhelming and there’s many reasons that we can make one feel anxious, for example, starting a new school or job, waiting for medical procedure, sickness in the family or friends facing exams, etc. In fact, any situation that is not in our comfort zone, our Lord knows when we are suffering from anxiety.

In the Bible can be found in 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7 the words: Cast all your anxiety on him who cares for you.

At times when we can’t find a solution to our problems, pass your worry over to the Lord and you will find a peace of mind as God takes over your burden. The following poem I wrote to remind myself that God will help me if I go to him in prayer. Anxiety and feeling anxious is another form of suffering that many of us go through. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. It reads in 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7.

When your life seems full of trouble,
When your heart is full of despair,
When one problem follows another,
When you feel there’s no one to care,

When you think there’s no one to turn to,
When your burden is too hard to bear,
When you want to give in to sorrow,
When you feel there’s no one to share,

When you need someone to talk to,
Who does love you beyond compare,
Who will understand and will listen,
Remember God is always there.

He’s in control of all your life,
Although it mayn’t always seem fair,
Just rely and trust in His mercy,
As you come before Him in prayer

Another cause of suffering in our life is grief, and that is such a strong emotion. When people close to us die, if they are Christians, we can find solace in knowing that they are at peace and are meeting with Jesus face to face.

My parents may have left this earth, but they will be with me forever in my mind and heart. I think of them as ever near me and look at their photos often. I remind myself that they feel no pain and are in a far better place. I know that through God’s grace, I will see them again someday.

In Psalm 34 verse 18, we read that: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

In my memory they will never fade,
As in my heart I hold them dear,
I think of them in God’s garden,
And I do feel them ever near.

Not the end of their long story.

In my memory they will never fade,
They watch me going on my way,
I think of them in God’s garden,
As they are with our Lord today.

In my memory they will never fade,
As I hold them in close to my heart,
I think of them in God’s garden,
From my life they will never part.

In my memory they will never fade,
Though they’re in God’s heavenly places,
I think of them in God’s garden,
As I remember their dear faces.