We are tried and afflicted so often in our lives. Even those that follow Jesus go through trials that bring so much pain and turmoil.. We often think to ourselves, why me? Why do I have to go through such pains? We cry out, why me God? You aren’t alone in these sufferings. All people suffer in different ways, even some are tormented at this very moment. The same way that Satan wanted to afflict Job, He also wants to see us suffer now. He wants to try our faith in the living God. He wants to bring doubt into our minds and make us think that God doesn’t truly love us. How could a loving God do such bad things for someone that loves Him. These thoughts, he puts into our minds. Don’t listen to the whisperings of the devil. The moment you do so, your faith will suffer. So much as to no longer believe in God. Instead of heeding the temptations of the devil, be ready to put your guard up, through Christ Jesus, and fight. He will 4“keep your hearts and minds” on what is right. Don’t listen to His words and give way to the Spirit of God to lead you, while in these hard times. Help others fight this fight, as well. Pray for those that you know are afflicted. Come to them and show compassion. Help lift up there burdens. As Jesus loves you, show kindness to everyone around you.
We go through hard times, like our neighbor does. Wouldn’t it be awesome if they responded to help us. Â As Christians, we ought to give care for the needy. As we suffer in life, give thanks to God for His blessings and ask that He care for us, even through other people. Even if every day of our week has been trying, worship the Lord and think upon His blessings. Among all the sadness and grief there is much good that God has bestowed upon our lives. Through all the pains, the Lord still loves us. He will never forsake us when times are hard. After Job lost all his children to a whirlwind and his livestock to bandits and fires, he still came to God in prayer. He was sad and 1“rent his mantle, and shaved his head”, but still believed in God’s goodness. His response was, 1“Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” He is a great example of how a believer should act in times of sickness, death and suffering. Praise the Lord in all these things. Cry out to God that your sadness may turn into gladness. May the Lord wipe away all your tears. He can do great things for anyone that puts there trust in Him. There is no harm in being sad but give it all to God. 2In the presence of God, all pains are made light.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, In sorrow and despair, I know that You still love me. You will never desert me when my heart is filled with sadness. I know that You will be there to watch over me. You are the one that sends people to comfort me. I can see Your hand in my life, when I am most distraught. In health, You lead the way. In my weaknesses, You make me strong. In sickness, You give me comfort. You show compassion upon me, when I feel beaten inside. 3You bandage my wounds that I might be healed. Thank You for being there for me. In all my afflictions, I will not forget how great You are and Your love for me. I will praise You in the high times and in the storms of life. I will continually lift You up and rejoice. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Job 1:18-22 (KJV)
18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
2Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
3Luke 10:25-37 (KJV)
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
4Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
