Why
Why does God allow suffering? This question is the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith. The amount of suffering and its distribution seems to be random and unfair. It outrages and bewilders us.
Theologians and philosophers have wrestled for centuries with the mystery of undeserved suffering, and no one has ever come up with a simple and complete solution. God sometimes uses the bad things that happen to bring about his good purposes.
God uses suffering to transform you - Psalm 15:1-5
Have there been times in your life when, because of circumstances, you have felt shaken? Times when you have lost your bearings and felt tempted to give up?
This psalm reminds us that you need ‘never be shaken’ (v.5), even in times of suffering. David describes the kind of life that God intends you to lead. The guidelines he gives are things you can hold on to during the difficult times:
Act right/seek to walk blamelessly and to do what is right (v.2a).
Tell the truth: ‘… speak the truth’ from your heart (v.2b).
Do not gossip: Let ‘no slander’ come from your tongue (v.3).
Do not hurt your neighbor: Do your ‘neighbors no wrong’ (v.3).
Keep your word: Keep your promises ‘even when it hurts’ (v.4b). This means doing whatever you have committed to do even when it does not suit you (a particular challenge for our generation, when a simple text message can cancel an arrangement at any moment).
Be generous: If you lend money don’t charge excessive interest (v.5a).
Be honest: Never take ‘bribes’ (v.5b).
As our character begins to transform in these ways, difficult circumstances and suffering have less of a destabilizing impact upon us. As the psalmist notes, ‘Those who do these things will never be shaken’ (v.5c) and you will dwell in the sanctuary of the Lord (v.1a).
As times of suffering lead to character formation, so character formation leads to knowledge of secure hope and experience of God’s love (Romans 5:3–5). Hope and love are the greatest stabilizing forces that you can know in the face of suffering and uncertainty.
Lord, thank you that you accept me as I am, but you do not want me to remain that way. Help me to live a holy life. Help me to see the trials and difficulties I face as part of my character formation.
