## Coping with Suffering

## Psalms 119

Our continued spiritual growth is necessary for us to become spiritually mature. However, we cannot assume that growth develops at an even pace. Actually the opposite is true. Examples, can be seen from the observation of plants (dandelions), or even our children. How often do you hear someone remark that a child has "shot up" in just a short period of time?

It is important for us to realize that in our Christian development there will be critical periods which will greatly affect our maturity. One such crisis is that of suffering, of tribulation, or of affliction.

Acts 14:21-22, "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

Philippians 1:29, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"

Suffering is to be expected as a part of the Christian life. Peter tells us not to be surprised. 1 Peter 4:12, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:"

For us to grow spiritually we must reach the point where we, like Moses, choose to suffer (Heb. 11:25). And, like Paul, long to share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings (Ph. 3:10). NOTE: That is not natural! Most of us react to suffering in one of two ways:

I. We are in a hurry for it to be over, and when it is we forget about it.

A. We say "Thank goodness that’s over!"

B. The suffering experience plays little significance in our future.

C. There is no change, therefore no growth - remember our suffering comes to shape us and mature us.

II. Or we can find ourselves so bound to such an experience that we cannot let go!

A. We never forget about it.

B. It becomes the focal point of our whole life.

C. Our personalities can become bitter and warped as a result of focusing on the affliction rather than the opportunity for growth.

D. Suffering and affliction can become a mirror where we only see ourselves and our needs or it can become a window through which we can see the needs of others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

III. The Psalm of Maturity: Psalm 119

A. Ps. 119:67 - His sufferings revealed his spiritual needs. NOTE: "Before I was afflicted I went astray..."

1. Here was a man who was enjoying considerable material prosperity.

2. His life was full and satisfying - but he did not see that his natural prosperity was disguising his spiritual bankruptcy.

3. This man’s affliction revealed his own spiritual needs.

4. Not all suffering is intended as a warning against spiritual decline, but there are times when this is the case.

5. God’s mercy is seen in that He doesn’t allow us to continue to drift away. - He sends chastisement to wake us up!

B. Ps. 119:71 - His sufferings taught him the ways of God. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted..."

1. This is a mark of maturity, to be able to see beyond his affliction and see the hand of God.

2. By this he avoids the problems of forgetfulness and fixation.

3. "That I might learn thy statutes." This means that he knew them intellect- ually, but now he knew them by experience!

4. It is one thing to say "all things work together for good..." but it is quite another to experience it!

C. Ps. 119:75 - His sufferings showed him the faithfulness of God.

1. "Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me."

2. At first glance we might think that the writer was saying that he was simply getting what he deserved.

3. However, if that was the case, he would have said "in justice thou hast afflicted me.’’

4. But it was God’s faithfulness that was so clearly revealed to him through his affliction.

5. Through it all, he recognized God’s faithfulness to employ these trials in order to fulfill His will through them.

6. Note the example of Joseph.

a. As a young man he had been marked out by God for leadership among his people.

b. In his heart he went astray through pride.

c. Then it was one affliction after another in his life until God’s will was fulfilled through him.

d. The important thing is that somewhere along the way Joseph learned the same lesson as did the psalmist.

e. Ge. 50:20, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

7. Paul was a chronic sufferer. Note: 2Co. 12:2-10

HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE

My Father’s way may twist and turn, My heart may throb and ache, But in my soul I’m glad I know He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray, My hopes may fade away, But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead For He doth know the way.

Though night be dark and it my seem That day will never break, I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see, My eyesight’s far too dim; But come what may, I’ll surely trust And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift And plain it all He’ll make, Through all the way, though dark to me, He made not one mistake.

Learning to cope with suffering is a necessary step toward spiritual maturity. Not an easy step, but an important one.