Suffering in the West

I believe as a western civilization, American Christians have lost the Biblical perspective of suffering. We call it a recession or suffering because people can't afford to buy lavish homes with 4 bedrooms. America is so rich that I think that American Christians don't think that suffering can be part of being in the will of God or just part of the deal when we enter a relationship with Jesus. Most American Christian have this equation:

Joy + Riches = You're in God's will
Suffering + _______ (fill in the blank with poverty, sickness, persecution, etc.) = You must be outside of God's will.

The following is a series of excerpts from an author that I found online and I think that the author has a pretty good theology of suffering in Scripture. It's a little long, but it's definitely worth a read.

TOWARD A BIBLICAL
THEOLOGY OF
SUFFERING
Ken Williams, Ph.D.
2
TOWARD A BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUFFERING
Suffering is God’s plan for us. In western
cultures suffering is seen as very bad, to be avoided
at all costs, and sometimes even an indication
that something is very wrong. It is considered
abnormal. Unfortunately, most western Christian
cultures hold an inadequate theology of suffering
also. As cross cultural workers in Christian
ministry we must move beyond the myths we have
received from our culture, and develop a solid
biblical view. God’s view is absolutely essential to
be able to handle suffering well.
God’s word clearly shows that suffering is a
normal part of the Christian life, especially
suffering for Christ. “For it has been granted to
you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on
Him, but also to suffer for Him” (Phil. 1.29).
“To this [suffering] your were called.. .” (1 Pet.
2.21).
This study examines several different aspect
of suffering, and looks at many Scriptures on the
subject. I urge you to study these references in
their contexts, to develop a more comprehensive
biblical theology of suffering.
I. OUR VIEW OF SUFFERING VS. GOD’S VIEW
A. Cultural Myths about Suffering
1. As Christians, we should not suffer in this
life.
2. When we are living in His will, living godly
lives, we should experience few hardships.
3. Suffering means something is wrong. It is an
abnormal state.
4. Suffering has no redeeming or positive
results.
5. Suffering means we can have no joy. It robs
us of the choice to rejoice.
6. Spiritual people don’t hurt emotionally when
they suffer.
7. If God really loves us He won’t let us suffer
very much. His love means that He will put
a hedge around us to keep terrible trials from
entering our lives.
8. When we do suffer, God is punishing us out
of anger. He is vindictive and wants us to
suffer when He is angry with us.
B. How God Views Suffering
1. In fact, we are called to suffer for Jesus. Phil.
1.29, 1 Pet. 2.20-21
2. We must go through many hardships to enter
the kingdom of God; we were destined for
trials. Acts 14.22, 1 Thess. 3.3
3. Suffering is normal and inevitable in the
Christian life. 2 Tim. 3.12
4. God uses suffering for our good, to conform
us to the likeness of His Son. Rom. 8.28-29
5. We have a choice to rejoice in our suffering.
See Section D below.
6. Spiritual people feel many painful emotions
when they suffer. Mark 14.33-34, 2 Cor. 2.4
7. He didn’t prevent His own Son from
suffering. Rom. 8.32 And He didn’t prevent
Paul, Peter, John the Baptist, Job, and others
He loved from suffering greatly.
8. Suffering may be God’s loving discipline, for
our good. Heb.12.7-11.
Toward a Biblical View of Suffering
3
C. Jesus’ Teaching About Suffering
Here are some examples of Jesus’ teaching that
are in opposition to what we have come to
believe as Christians in our culture.
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit...those who
mourn...those who are persecuted because
of righteousness... Blessed are you when
people insult you, persecute you and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you because of
me.” Mt. 5.3-11
2. “Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul.” Mt. 10.28
3. “If anyone would come to me, he must
deny himself and take up his cross and
follow me. For whoever wants to save his
life will lose it, but whoever loses his life
for me will find it.” Me. 16.24-25
4. “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich
man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again
I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for a rich
man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mt.
19.23-24
5. “No one who has left home or brothers or
sisters or father or mother or children or
fields for me and the gospel will fail to
receive a hundred times as much in this
present age (home s, brothers, sisters,
mothers, children and fields—and with
them, persecutions) and in the age to come,
eternal life.” Mark 10.29-30
6. “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and
how I wish it were already kindled! But I
have a baptism to undergo, and how
distressed I am until it is completed! Do
you think I came to bring peace on earth?
No, I tell you, but division. From now on
there will be five in one family divided
against each other, three against two and
two against three. They will be divided,
father against son and son against father,
mother against daughter and daughter
against mother, mother-in-law against
daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against
mother-in-law.” Luke 12.49-53
7. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his
father and mother, his wife and children, his
brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--
he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who
does not carry his cross and follow me cannot
be my disciple... In the same way, any of you
who does not give up everything he has
cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14.26-17, 33
8. “But before all this, they will lay hands on
you and persecute you. They will deliver you
to synagogues and prisons, and you will be
brought before kings and governors, and all
on account of my name. This will result in
your being witnesses to them. But make up
your mind not to worry beforehand how you
will defend yourselves. For I will give you
words and wisdom that none of your
adversaries will be able to resist or
contradict. You will be betrayed even by
parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and
they will put some of you to death. All men
will hate you because of me. But not a hair of
your head will perish. By standing firm you
will gain life.” Luke 21.12-19
9. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat
falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a
single seed. But if it dies, it produces many
seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it,
while the man who hates his life in this world
will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves
me must follow me; and where I am, my
servant also will be. My Father will honor the
one who serves me.” John 12.24-26
D. Joy in Suffering
Cultural myth number five says that we can have
no joy when we’re suffering. This is an issue
which God’s word speaks about often. Here are
some examples.
1. “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your
reward in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before
you.” Matthew 5.12
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4
2. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance... Romans 5.3
3. Out of the most severe trial, their
overflowing joy and their extreme poverty
welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians
8.2
4. You became imitators of us and of the Lord;
in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed
the message with the joy given by the Holy
Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1.6
5. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever
you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its
work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything. James 1.2-4
6. These [trials] have come so that your faith—
of greater worth than gold, which perishes
even though refined by fire— may be proved
genuine and may result in praise, glory and
honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Thought you have not seen him, you love
him; and even though you do not see him
now, you believe in him and are filled with
an inexpressible and glorious joy... 1 Peter
1.7-8
II. PURPOSES AND RESULTS OF SUFFERING
God tell us the purposes He has for our
suffering, and the beneficial results, both to us
and for His glory. He makes it clear that we do
not suffer in vain, especially when we suffer for
His sake. These two categories are somewhat
arbitrary, because the distinction between
purposes and results is not always clear.
A. Purposes of Suffering
Here are some key purposes of suffering as God
has revealed them.
1. To share in Christ’s sufferings, becoming
like Him in His death. Phil. 3.10
2. To make us rely on God, not ourselves. 2 Cor.
1.9
3. So that Jesus’ life may be revealed in us. 2
Cor. 4.10-11.
4.So that our faith may be proved genuine and
result in praise. 1 Peter 1.7
5.To keep us from going astray, to obey His word.
Ps. 119.67
6.To discipline us for our good, that we may share
in his holiness. Heb. 12.10
7.We must go through many hardships to enter the
Kingdom of God. Acts 14.22
8.To be able to comfort others with the comfort
we have received from God. 2 Cor. 1.4
9.To prepare for us an eternal glory. 2 Cor. 4.17.
B. Results of Suffering
The word promises wonderful results of suffering.
We need to focus on these when we are going
through trials, to remind ourselves that we do not
suffer in vain. Here are some of the results of
suffering mentioned in the word. Some results are
unconditional, i.e., the benefits don’t depend on
the way we respond in the situation. O ther results
are conditional, i.e., the benefits depend on why
we suffer, or how we respond.
1. Unconditional Results.
a. It achieves for us an eternal glory that far
outweighs all suffering. 2 Cor. 4.17
b. We can comfort others with the comfort we
have received from God. 2 Cor. 1.4
c. Others will give thanks for answered
prayer. 2 Cor. 1.11
d. After we have suffered God will restore us,
make us strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Pet.
5.10
e. God uses it for our good. Rom. 8.28
f. It builds perseverance, character, hope and
maturity. Rom. 5.3,4, Jas. 1.3-4
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g. These sufferings are not worth comparing
with the glory He will reveal to us. Rom.
8.18
h. As God’s discipline, it will later produce
a harvest of righteousness and peace for
those who are trained by it. Heb. 12.11
i. We are blessed when we are insulted
because of the name of Christ, because
the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon
us. 1 Pet. 4.14
j. We are blessed when we are persecuted
for righteousness. Mt. 5.10-11
k. Our reward will be great in heaven. Mt.
5.12
2. Conditional Results, based on why we
suffer.
a. We are blessed—if we suffer for what is
right. I Pet. 3.14. See Lk. 6.22
b. We are blessed—if we are persecuted
because of righteousness. Mt. 5.10-11
c. Our reward will be great in heaven—if
we are persecuted for righteousness. Mt.
5.12
d. We are blessed, because the Spirit of
glory and of God rests upon us—if we are
insulted for the name of Christ. 1 Pet.
4.14
3. Conditional Results, based on our response
a. We will inherit a blessing—if we repay
evil with blessing. 1 Pet. 3.9
b. We will receive God’s approval—if we
bear up when suffering unjustly. 1 Pet.
2.19-20
c. We will be overjoyed when Christ’s glory
is revealed—if we rejoice that we
participate in His sufferings. 1 Pet. 4.13
d. We will receive the crown of life—if we
persevere under trial and stand the test.
James 1.12
e. We will reign with Him—if we endure. 2
Tim. 2.12
f. Those who slander us will be ashamed—if
we keep a clear conscience. 1 Pet. 3.16
g. Our reward will be great—if we respond
lovingly to our enemies. Lk. 6.35
h. When Jesus is revealed, results will be
prais e, glory and honor—if our faith has
been prov ed genuine. 1 Pet. 1.7
III. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SUFFERING
We can learn much from examples of suffering in
the word. Only a few are mentioned here. Nearly
every character described in the Bible experienced
great suffering! You are encouraged to study how
biblical characters handled suffering, and how God
ministered to them.
A. Jesus
Jesus is obviously our primary example. “...Christ
suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you
should follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2.21). He
didn’t retaliate or threaten, but entrusted Himself
to the Father (1 Pet. 2.21-23). For the joy set
before Him, He endured (Heb. 12.2). See Isa.
53.3-11, 1 Pet. 4.1,13, 1.11, 3.18, 5.1 and many
other Scriptures on Christ’s suffering.
B. Paul
Paul is another helpful example of suffering in the
New Testament. Study his suffering in Acts and in
his letters. In 2 Corinthians, for example, you will
find at least 45 different kinds of suffering Paul
endured. You will also discover at least 15
different emotional reactions to suffering, and 13
ways he chose to respond in Christ’s power.
C. Job
Job comes to mind immediately when suffering is
considered. The book of Job provides a unique
study on the theology of suffering as well as other
important aspects.
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D. David
David is probably the most helpful example of
suffering the in Old Testament. His Psalms
provide abundant teaching on suffering through
His example. Psalm 31, for example,
demonstrates at least 14 specific ways he chose
to deal with his suffering.
E. The Prophets
The prophets also provide excellent examples.
“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face
of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the
name of the Lord” (James 5.10).
IV. GOD IS OUR PRIMARY RESOURCE IN
SUFFERING
As with every aspect of the Christian life, God
is certainly our most important resource. What
He does for us usually comes to mind first, and
this is important. But who He is—His essential
identity and attributes—is at least as critical to us
when suffering, according to the word. His word
provides many descriptions of how relevant His
identity, attributes and ministry are to us in
suffering.
A. God’s Identity as a Resource in Suffering
Many of these descriptions come from the
Psalms, as David went through suffering, and
found the Lord’s ministry to Him through who
He is. For example, He is our. . .
1. Deliverer. Ps. 18.2
2. Fortress. Ps. 18.2
3. Guide. Ps. 48.14
4. Helper. Ps. 54.4
5. Hiding place. Ps. 32.7
6. Hope. Ps. 71.5
7. Horn of Salvation. Ps. 18.2
8. Joy and delight. Ps. 43.4
9. Mighty Rock. Ps. 62.7
10. Refuge. Ps. 46.1, 61.3
11. Shade on our right hand. Ps. 121.5
12. Shelter from the storm. Isa. 25.4
13. Shepherd and Overseer. 1 Pet. 2.25
14. Shield. Ps. 18.2
15. Source of strength. Isa. 28.6, Ps. 18.1
16. Stronghold. Ps. 18.2, 9.9, 37.39
B. God’s Character as a Resource
As with His identity, what God is like becomes a
great resource for us during times of suffering,
both objectively (through His grace to us), and
subjectively (as we focus on Him). Here are a few
descriptions of His character which are particularly
important to us in suffering.
1. He abounds in unfailing love. Neh. 9.17, Ps.
86.5, 103.8
2. He is full of compassion and mercy. James
5.11
3. He is faithful to all His promises. Ps. 145.3
4. He is kind. Rom. 11.22, Eph. 2.7, Tit. 3.4
5. His faithfulness will be our shield and
rampart. Ps. 91.4
6. His love is better than life. Ps. 63.3
7. He grace is sufficient for us. 2 Cor. 12.9
8. His power is made perfect in our weakness.
2 Cor. 12.9
9. His power shields us until the coming of
salvation in the last time. 1 Pet. 1.5
C. God’s Personal Responses to us
The Lord responds to us very personally when we
are suffering, with deep emotions and with
attentive eyes and ears. Here are some of the many
ways He responds to us.
1. He answers when we cry in anguish. Ps.
118.5
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2. His ears are attentive to our cry. Ps. 34.15
3. He cares for us. 1 Pet. 5.7
4. He has compassion on us. Deut. 32.6, Ps.
103.13
5. He hears our weeping, our cry. Ps. 6.8,
10.17, 18.6, 40.1
6. He hears our desire. Ps. 10.17
7. He is for us. Ps. 56.9, Rom. 8.31
8. He knows the anguish of our soul. Ps. 31.7
9. He remembers us. Ps. 115.12
10. He sees our affliction. Ps. 31.7
11. He sympathizes with our weaknesses. Heb.
4.15
12. In all our distress He too is distressed. Isa.
63.9
D. God’s Presence With Us in Suffering
1. His constant presence with us in times of
suffering is one of our greatest sources of
help and comfort. Over and over God
promises never to leave us, especially when
we are hurting.
2. He is with us. Ps. 46.7,11, 91.15
3. He is with us like a mighty warrior. Jer.
20.11
4. He is at our right hand. Ps. 18.28
5. He will never forsake us. Ps. 37.28, Heb.
13.5
6. His Spirit rests on us. 1 Pet. 4.14
7. He stands at our right hand when we are
needy. Ps. 109.31
8. He surrounds us. Ps. 125.2
9. He surrounds us with His favor as with a
shield. Ps. 5.12
10. His unfailing love surrounds us. Ps. 32.10
11. He watches over us. Ps. 32.8, 121.3-4,8-9,
145.20
E. God’s Ministry to Our Personal Needs
The Lord ministers to all of our personal needs in
time of suffering, out of His great care for us.
1. He bears our burdens daily. Ps. 68.19
2. He binds us up when we are brokenhearted.
Ps. 147.3, Isa. 61.1
3. He comforts us. Ps. 23.4, 71.21, 86.17, Isa.
49.13, Acts 9.31
4. He comforts us when we mourn and are
downcast. Isa. 61.2, 2 Cor. 7.6
5. He covers us with His feathers. Ps. 91.4
6. He crowns us with love and compassion. Ps.
103.4
7. He delivers our eyes from tears. Ps. 116.8
8. He delivers us from all our fears. Ps. 34.4,17
9. He encourages us when we are afflicted. Ps.
10.17
10. He establishes our heart. Ps. 2.17
11. His Holy Spirit gives us joy. 1 Thess. 1.6
12. His consolation brings joy to our soul. Ps.
94.19
13. He gives us comfort and joy instead of
sorrow. Jer. 31.13
14. He gives us courage. 1 Thess. 2.2
15. He gives us mercy and grace to help. Heb.
4.15
16. He gives us peace. Ps. 29.11, John 14.27,
Phil. 4.7
17. He gives us power and strength. Ps. 68.35
18. He gives us refuge under His wings. Ps.
91.14
19. He gives rest for our soul. Ps. 62.1,5, Matt.
11.28-30
20. He gives us strength when we are weary. Isa
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40.29
21. He will give us victory over death through
Christ. 1 Cor. 15.57
22. He guides our feet into the path of peace.
Lk. 1.79
23. He heals us when we are brokenhearted.
Ps. 147.3
24. He hides us in the shelter of His presence.
Ps. 31.10
25. He holds us by our right hand. Isa. 41.13
26. He holds us fast with His right hand. Ps.
139.10
27. He increases our power when we are weak.
Isa. 40.29
28. He is close to us when we are
brokenhearted. Ps. 34.18
29. He keeps our lamp burning. Ps. 18.28
30. He lifts up our head. Ps. 3.3
31. He lifts us when we are bowed down. Ps.
145.14
32. He makes us more than conquerors in
trials. Rom. 8.37
33. He makes us stand firm in Christ. 2 Cor.
1.21
34. He makes us strong, firm and steadfast. 1
Pet. 5.10
35. He promises peace to us. Ps. 85.8
36. He puts a new song in our mouth. Ps. 40.3
37. He quiets us with His love. Zeph. 3.17
38. He renews our inner nature daily. 2 Cor.
2.16
39. He restores us. Ps. 23.3, 1 Pet. 5.10
40. He says, “Do not fear, I will help you.”
Isa. 41.13
41. He sends times of refreshing. Acts 3.19
42. He strengthens us. Phil. 4.13, Col. 1.11
43. He surrounds us with songs of deliverance.
Ps. 32.7
44. His love supports us. Ps. 94.18
45. He sustains us. Ps. 3.5, 18.35, 54.4, 55.22
46. He teaches us wisdom when we are hurting.
Ps 51.6
47. He turns our darkness into light. Ps. 18.28
48. He upholds us. Ps. 37.17,24, 145.14, Isa.
41.10
F. God’s Deliverance in the Situation
God often intervenes on our behalf in difficult
situations, either to deliver us or to protect us.
1. He brings us into a spacious place. Ps. 18.19
2. He delivers us. Ps. 37.40
3. He delivers our feet from stumbling. Ps.
116.8
4. He delivers us from the hand of the wicked.
Ps. 98.10
5. He delivers us from trouble. Ps. 34.19, 54.7
6. He guides us with His hand. Ps. 139.10
7. He guards our life. Ps. 73. 24
8. He helps us. Ps. 28.7, 37.40, 86.17, 118.13,
121.2, Heb. 13.6
9. He keeps us from all harm. Ps. 121.7
10. He knows how to rescue us from trials. 2
Pet. 2.9
11. He lifts us out of the depths. Ps. 30.1
12. He lifts us out of the slimy pit. Ps. 40.1
13. He preserves us. Ps. 31.23
14. He protects us from the evil one. 2 Thess.
3.3
15. He protects us from trouble. Ps. 32.7
16. He ransoms us unharmed from the battle.
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Ps. 65.18
17. He reaches down and draws us out of deep
waters. Ps. 18.16
18. He redeems our life from the pit. Ps.
103.4
19. He rescues our life from the hands of the
wicked. Jer. 20.13
20. He rescues the godly from trial. 2 Pet. 2.9
21. He rescues us because He delights in us.
Ps. 18.19
22. He saves us out of all our troubles. Ps.
34.6
23. He saves us when we are crushed in spirit.
Ps. 34.18
24. He sets our feet on a rock, a firm place to
stand. Ps. 40.2
25. He sets us free when we are in anguish.
Ps. 118.5
26. He shields us for salvation. 1 Pet. 1.5
G. God’s Word as a Resource in Suffering
God’s word is one of our most powerful
resources in times of suffering. This study itself
is testimony to the exhaustive manner in which
the word deals with this issue. In addition, the
word testifies to itself as a resource, as
illustrated in these passages.
1. It revives our soul. Ps. 19.7
2. It comforts us. Psa 119.50,52
3. It encourages us. Rom 15.4
4. It gives us hope. Rom 15.4
5. It gives joy to our heart. Psa 19.8
6. It gives great peace to those who love it.
Psa. 119.165
V. HOW WE ARE TO RESPOND IN SUFFERING
God gives us many commands and examples of
how we are to respond when we suffer, both for
our benefit and for His glory. He also shows us
that even as His children we will experience
distress when we suffer.
A. Our Normal Human Responses to Suffering
Scripture provides abundant teaching on the
importance of allowing ourselves to respond with
normal human emotions. These emotional
responses in no way indicate lack of spirituality. In
fact, to deny them can cause great damage to
ourselves. Perhaps this is why the Lord gives us so
many examples in His word. Only a very few
examples are mentioned here, from the lives of
Jesus, David and Paul. Study the word for other
examples. Notice that there no indication that these
emotional responses are wrong.
1. Jesus. As He anticipated being crucified He
felt:
a. deeply distressed and troubled. Mark 14.33
b. overwhelmed with sorrow. Mt. 26.38,
Mark 14.34
c. distressed. Luke 12.50
d. troubled in heart and in spirit. John 12.25,
13.21
2. Paul. Paul experienced many painful
emotions, including:
a. anguish of heart. 2 Cor. 2.4
b. anxiety. Phil. 2.28
c. great distress. 2 Cor. 2.4
d. fear. 2 Cor. 11.3, 7.5, 12.20
e. grief. 2 Cor. 12.21
3. David. A few of David’s emotional responses
to suffering were:
a. agony. Ps. 6.2
b. anguish. Ps. 6.3, 31.10
c. distress. Ps. 4.1, 18.6
d. fear. Ps. 34.4
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e. grief. Ps. 31.9
f. groaning. Ps. 22.1
g. sorrow. Ps. 6.7, 13.2, 31.9
h. weeping. Ps. 6.6
B. How to Respond to God During Suffering
God’s word says much by command and
example about how we are to respond to Him
when suffering. This is a critical issue, and one
about which we need to know God’s heart, in
order to please Him and handle suffering well.
Here are some ways to respond to Him:
1. Acknowledge His name. Ps. 91.14
2. Ask Him to strengthen us according to His
word. Ps. 119.28
3. Be still before the Lord. Ps. 37.7
4. Cast all our anxiety on Him. 1 Pet. 5.7
5. Cast our cares on Him. Ps. 55.22
6. Call on Him. Ps. 17.6, 91.15
7. Cling to Him (our soul). Ps. 63.8
8. Come to Jesus when we are weary and
burdened. Matt. 11.28
9. Commit ourselves to our Faithful Creator. 1
Pet. 4.19
10. Commit our spirit into His hands. Ps. 31.5
11. Commit our way to the Lord. Ps. 37.5
12. Consider all His mighty deeds. Ps. 77.12
13. Consider Christ who endured, so we won’t
grow weary or lose heart. Heb. 12.3
14. Cry aloud to Him. Ps. 3.4
15. Cry out in distress to Him. Ps. 55.17
16. Cry to Him for help. Ps. 18.6
17. Dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Ps.
91.1
18. Examine our ways and test them, and
return to the Lord. Lam. 3.40
19. Find rest for our soul in God alone. Ps.
62.1,5
20. Fix our eyes on the Sovereign Lord. Ps.
141.8
21. Fix our eyes on Jesus. Heb. 12.2
22. Glorify Him with thanksgiving. Ps. 69.30
23. Hide ourselves in Him. Ps. 143.9
24. Hope in Him. Ps. 37.9, 42.5
25. Keep His ways. Ps. 18.21
26. Keep our eyes on Him. Ps. 25.15
27. Lift up our soul to Him. Ps. 25.1, 143.8
28. Love Him. Ps. 91.14
29. Make Him our stronghold. Ps. 52.7
30. Make the Most High our dwelling. Ps. 91.9-
10
31. Meditate on all His works. Ps. 77.12, 143.5
32. Pour out our complaint before Him. Ps.
142.2
33. Pour out our hearts to Him. Ps. 62.8
34. Praise Him. Ps. 18.46,49, 71.14
35. Praise God that we bear the name Christian.
1 Pet. 4.16
36. Praise His name in song. Ps. 69.30
37. Pray. James 5.13, Ps. 69.13
38. Rejoice and leap for joy when we suffer for
Christ, for great is our reward in heaven.
Lk. 6.23
39. Rejoice in His salvation. Ps. 13.5
40. Remember Him when our soul is downcast.
Ps. 42.6
41. Remember His deeds and His miracles. Ps.
77.11
42. Remember His great love, unfailing
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11
compassion and great faithfulness. Lam.
3.21-23
43. Seek the Lord. Ps. 34.4, 63.1
44. Set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts. 1
Pet. 3.15
45. Set our hope on Him. 2 Cor. 1.10
46. Sing to the Lord. Ps. 13.6
47. Sing of His strength and love. Ps. 59.16
48. Speak of His righteousness and praises all
day long. Ps. 35.28
49. Speak of His faithfulness and salvation.
Ps. 40.10
50. Take refuge in Him. Ps. 5.11, 7.1, 11.1
51. Tell Him our trouble. Ps. 142.2
52. Trust in Him. Ps. 25.2, 31.14, John 14.1
53. Trust in His unfailing love. Ps. 13.5
54. Trust in His word. Ps. 119.42
55. Trust in the name of the Lord. Ps. 20.7,
33.21
56. Wait for the Lord. Ps. 27.14
57. Wait in hope for the Lord. Ps. 33.20
58. Wait patiently for Him. Ps. 37.7, 40.1
59. Wait quietly for His salvation. Lam. 3.26
60. Watch for God our Strength. Ps. 59.9
C. Ways to Talk to God When Suffering
In hard times our first response is usually to ask
God for help and to get us out of the situation.
And this is a healthy, biblical response. But we
often forget to talk to Him in other ways.
Scriptures give us many examples of how to talk
to Him when we’re suffering. Here a just a few
examples from the Psalms. I encourage you to
study these and others you will find in the word.
1. I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my
God. My times are in your hands...” Ps.
31.14-15
2. You are my hiding place. Ps. 32.7
3. I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O
Lord my God. Ps. 38.15
4. You are my help and my deliverer. Ps. 40.17
5. When I am afraid I will trust in you. Ps. 56.3
6. In you my soul takes refuge. Ps. 57.1
7. You are my fortress, my refuge in times of
trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to
you... Ps. 57.16-17
8. O my Strength, I watch for you. You, O God
are my fortress, my loving God. Ps. 59.9-10
9. Show me the way to go, for to You I lift up
my soul. Ps. 143.8
D. Ways to Talk to Ourselves When Suffering
Most of us know that our self-talk greatly
determines our attitudes in any situation. What we
say to ourselves does make a difference in how we
handle suffering. Self-talk that takes our eyes off
the problems and focuses on God is very powerful.
Here are a few examples of healthy, God-honoring
self-talk during suffering. I encourage you to learn
some of these Scriptures to quote when under trial.
1. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my
heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart
leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in
song. Ps. 28.7
2. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so
disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my
God. Ps. 42.5
3. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation
comes from Him. He alone is my rock and
my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never
be shaken. Ps. 62.1
4. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope
comes from Him. Ps. 62.5
5. I will praise God’s name in song, and glorify
Him with thanksgiving. Ps. 69.30
6. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have
Toward a Biblical View of Suffering
12
hope: Because of the Lord’s great love
we are not consumed, for his
compassions never fail. They are new
every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him.” Lam.
3.21-24.
E. Other Ways to Respond During Suffering
This is a very fruitful area of teaching in God’s
word. We handle suffering better when we
respond in the ways He has taught us. Being
able to endure relates directly to how well we
learn what He has to say about this, and how
faithful and diligent we are to apply His
teaching.
1. Arm ourselves with Christ’s attitude to
suffering. 1 Pet. 4.1
2. Bear up under the pain of unjust suffering,
conscious of God. 1 Pet. 2.19
3. Be alert for Satan’s attacks. 1 Pet. 5.8
4. Be content. 2 Cor. 12.10, Phil. 4.11-12
5. Be faithful. Rev. 13.10, 14.12
6. Be glad and rejoice in His love. Ps. 31.7
7. Be glad as we take refuge in Him. Ps. 5.11
8. Be patient in affliction. Rom. 12.12
9. Be strong and take heart. Ps. 31.24
10. Be upright in heart. Ps. 97.11
11. Consider our sufferings not worth
comparing with the glory to be revealed to
us. Rom. 8.18
12. Delight in hardships, persecutions and
difficulties for the sake of Christ. 2 Cor.
12.10
13. Do good. Ps. 37.3, 1 Pet. 4.19
14. Endure hardship as discipline. Heb. 12.7
See Rev. 2.3
15. Endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ.
2 Tim. 2.3, 4.5
16. Endure when suffering for doing good. 1 Pet.
2.20
17. Entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly.
1 Pet. 2.23
18. Fix our eyes on what is unseen, for it is
eternal. 2 Cor. 4.18
19. Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.
Heb. 10.23
20. Joyfully accept the loss of our possessions.
Heb. 10.34
21. Long for a better country, a heavenly one.
Heb. 11.16
22. Live by faith during suffering. Heb. Chapter
11
23. Patiently endure. Rev. 13.10
24. Persevere. Heb. 10.36, James 1.12, 5.10-11,
Rev. 2.3
25. Prepare our minds for action. 1 Pet. 1.13
26. Rejoice in our sufferings. Rom. 5.3, James
1.2
27. Resist the devil, standing firm in our faith. 1
Pet. 5.9
28. Rejoice that we participate in Christ’s
sufferings. 1 Pet. 4.13
29. Run with perseverance the race mark ed out
for us. Heb. 12.2
30. Set our hope fully on the grace to be given
when Christ is revealed. 1 Pet. 1.13
31. Sing for joy as we take refuge in Him. Ps.
5.11
32. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees.
Heb. 12.12
33. Throw off everything that hinders, and sin...
Heb. 12.1
34. Turn from evil. Ps. 37.27
Toward a Biblical View of Suffering
13
F. How Not to Respond During Suffering
The Lord not only teaches us how to respond,
but now not to respond when we are suffering.
Here are some ways He mentions.
1. Don’t be afraid, for He is with us. Isa.
41.10. See John 14.27, 1 Pet. 3.14
2. Don’t be ashamed to suffer as a Christian.
1 Pet. 4.16
3. Don’t be dismayed, for He is our God. Isa.
41.10
4. Don’t be fainthearted, because the Lord
goes with us. Deut. 20.3
5. Don’t be overcome by evil; overcome evil
with good. Rom. 12.21
6. Don’t be surprised at painful trials, as
though something strange were happening
to us. 1 Pet. 4.12
7. Don’t complain. Num. 11.1
8. Don’t disown God. 2 Tim. 2.12
9. Don’t do evil by turning away from God.
Ps. 18.21
10. Don’t fret, because it leads only to evil. Ps.
37.8
11. Don’t fret when the wicked succeed. Ps.
37.7
12. Don’t get angry. Ps. 37.8
13. Don’t grumble. Ps. 106.25
14. Don’t let our hearts be troubled. John 14.1
15. Don’t shrink back. Heb. 10.39
16. Don’t throw away our confidence. Heb.
10.35
G. How to Relate to God’s Word in Suffering
God’s word is a wonderful resource when we are
hurting. But we must consciously make use of it,
in ways the Lord shows us in it. Here are some
ways God teaches us to relate to His word.
1. Delight in it. Ps. 119.92,143
2. Don’t forget it. Ps. 119.61,83,109
3. Don’t forsake it. Ps. 119.87
4. Don’t stray from it. Ps. 119.110,157
5. Find comfort in it. Ps. 119.52
6. Keep His commands. Ps. 119.115
7. Hope in it. Ps. 119.81,114, 130.5
8. Let His promises comfort us in suffering. Ps.
119.50
9. Love it. Ps. 119.165
10. Meditate on it. Ps. 119.78
11. Ponder it. Ps. 119.95
12. Remember the word of encouragement. Heb.
12.5
13. See the promises and welcome them from a
distance. Heb. 11.1
14. Tremble at it. Ps. 119.161
H. How to Minister and be Ministered to
During Suffering
God never intended that we suffer alone. He
designed the body of Christ in such a way that w e
are to minister to each other’s needs. 1 Cor.
12.24-26 says in part, “But God has combined the
members of the body . . . so that its parts should
have equal concern for each other. If one part
suffers, every part suffers with it . . .” See Rom.
12.4 and 1 Cor. 12.12-27. We not only need to
consider how we receive help from others, but
how we can reach out to them when they are going
through difficult times. Here are a few examples
of ways we can give and receive care during
suffering. See the “one another” passages for
others.
1. We can cheer up the anxious with a kind
word. Prov. 12.25
Toward a Biblical View of Suffering
14
2. We can sustain the weary with a word. Isa.
50.4
3. Pleasant words are sweet to our soul and
healing to our bones. Prov. 16.24
4. We can carry others’s burdens and allow
them to carry ours. Gal. 6.2
5. We can comfort and be comforted by
others. 2 Cor. 1.3-4
6. We can encourage and be encouraged by
others. Heb. 3.13, 12.25, 1 Thess. 5.14
7. We can help in practical ways, and let them
help us. 2 Tim. 1.18
8. We can help the weak and receive help
when we are weak. 1 Thess. 5.14
9. We can mourn with others and allow them
to mourn with us. Rom. 12.15
10. We can pray and be prayed for by others. 2
Cor. 1.10-11
11. We can refresh and be refreshed by others.
2 Cor. 7.13, 2 Tim. 1.16
12. We can share in their troubles by meeting
needs. Phil. 4.14-15
13. We can sympathize with others, and let
them sympathize with us. Heb. 10.34
I. How to Avoid Bringing Suffering on Others
Unfortunately, a significant part of suffering
from believers comes from fellow Christians.
This can especially be true in cross-cultural
situations. Let’s be sure we aren’t the cause of
others’ suffering! Here are just a few things the
word tells us to avoid in order to not cause
others to hurt.
1. Don’t be “miserable comforters” by
preaching, condemning, etc. Job 15.2
2. Don’t bite and devour each other. Gal. 5.15
3. Don’t gossip about each other. Proverbs
11.13, 16.20, 16.28
4. Don’t grumble against each other. James 5.9
5. Don’t hate each other. Tit. 3.3
6. Don’t judge each other. Rom. 2.1-3, 14.4,
14.13
7. Don’t lie to each other. Col. 3.9
8. Don’t provoke and envy each other. Gal.
5.26
9. Don’t show favoritism. James 2.1
10. Don’t slander or speak against each other.
Titus 3.1-2, James 4.11, 1 Pet. 2.1
J. How to Relate to Those Who Cause Our
Suffering
1. Be on our guard. 2 Tim. 4.15
2. Bless them. Lk. 6.28, Rom. 12.14, 1 Pet. 3.9
3. Do good to them. Lk. 6.27,35
4. Don’t be afraid of them. Mt. 10.26,28
5. Don’t curse them. Rom. 12.14
6. Don’t fear their threats. 1 Pet. 3.14
7. Don’t repay evil for evil. Rom. 12.17, 1
Thess. 5.15
8. Don’t repay insult with insult. 1 Pet. 3.9
9. Don’t resist them. Mt. 5.39
10. Don’t take revenge. Rom. 12.19
11. Forgive them. Lk 23.34, Acts 7.60
12. Love them. Mt. 5.44, Lk. 6.27-28
13. Turn the other cheek. Lk. 6.29
K. SUMMARY
Serving God in cross-cultural situations increases
the probability that we will suffer. This means we
need to be “experts” in understanding God’s view
of suffering, and in knowing how to suffer
according to biblical principles. Many Scriptures
have been presented to give you a better biblical
view of sufferings. To make greatest use of them,
Toward a Biblical View of Suffering
15
I encourage you to consider following these
steps.
1. Use this study as a checklist, to discover
areas of suffering you may need to grow in
understanding, or in applying God’s word.
Go through the study and prayerfully look
for these areas. For example, you may
discover that you need to grow in
responding better when you are suffering.
2. Look up the Scriptures noted in a specific
area. Study and meditate on them in context.
Prayerfully consider ways you can apply the
principles, or grow in your understanding of
them.
3. Engage in additional study in that area.
Begin by discovering other Scriptures to
study and meditate on. Then you might want
to look for books which speak to the issue.
4. Begin to keep a journal related to suffering.
For example, If you are looking at relating
to God during suffering, write down how
you relate to Him when you are hurting, and
in what specific ways you might relate to
Him more effectively. Keep a record of how
your heart responds as you relate to Him in
different ways.
Suggested Reading
Many books have been written on suffering.
Some of these may be helpful to those who are
suffering. But remember that God’s word should
be our first recourse, and primary source of
wisdom on the subject.
Baker, Don, Pain’s Hidden Purpose. Multnomah
Press, 1984.
Bridges, J., Trusting God. Nav Press, 1988.
Carlson, Dwight and Wood, Susan, When Life
Isn’t Fair. Harvest House, 1989.
Carson, D. A., How Long, O Lord, Reflections
on Suffering & Evil. Baker, 1990.
Davis, Ron, Courage to Begin Again. Harvest
House, 1988.
Dobson, J., When God Doesn't Make Sens e.
Tyndale, 1993.
Dunn, Ronald, When Heaven is Silent. Nelson,
1994.
Hicks, Robert, Failure to Scream. Thomas Nelson,
1993.
Lewis, C.S., The Problem of Pain. McMillan,
1969.
Parker, The Gift of Doubt. Harper & Row, 1990.
Phillips, J.B., Your God is Too Small. MacMillan,
1987.
Ryan, Juanita, Standing By. Tyndale, 1985.
Schaeffer, Edith, Affliction. Revell, 1978.
Sproul, R.C., Surprised by Suffering. Tyndale
House, 1989.
Swartz, David, Dancing With Broken Bones.
NavPress, 1987.
Yancey, Phillip, Disappointment with God.
Zondervan, 1988.
Yancy, Philip, Where is God When it Hurts.
Campus Life Books, 1981.
This paper may be copied and used without permission of the author.
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