Joy in Suffering

 

READ Psalm 106–112

One of the seven deadly sins is envy, a feeling of resentment when others prosper and the desire to have what they have in that prosperity. The opposite is rejoicing when God blesses others, as the psalmist prayed: “Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.” (Psalm 106:4–5)

Part of this desire comes from recalling the many times God’s people did not respond well to the blessings of God. The psalmist relates some of them: failing to follow His direction, envy of their leaders, complaining about their lot in life, turning to the idols of their enemies . . .

And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel. (Psalm 106:11–13)

When men in the camp were jealous of Moses and Aaron, the holy one of the Lord, the earth opened and swallowed up Dothan, and covered the company of Bairam. Fire also broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. (Psalm 106:16–18)

Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord. Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness, and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands. (Psalm 106:24–27)

They did not destroy the peoples, as the Lord commanded them, but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. (Psalm 106:34–36)

God didn’t give up and abandon them to their foolishness: “Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” (Psalm 106:43–45)

His direction to me today is this: “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord” (Psalm 107:43) and this: “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” (Psalm 108:13)

These days, I am physically suffering, but spiritually rejoicing and realize my joy comes from the Lord who alone is able to do that for His children . . . “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” (Psalm 111:4–5)

It seems almost ridiculously miraculous to be joyful when the common reaction would be self-pity and complaining. This amazing experience is one more reason that faith in Jesus Christ is practical — He gives His people peace in storms, joy in sorrow, and praise in pain. Even as I write this, my heart is light and my smile is broad. Some might conclude that this woman is a bit daffy, but once again the power of God is being proven to me. Surely “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10) God makes real what the psalmist declares:

For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. (Psalm 112:6–8)

Whether the adversaries are demonic, human, or the trials of life, the Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient and I am glad that He is my Savior and Friend!