The LORD’s people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through (Psalm 34:19, CEV).

Grey Nuns Park, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is suffering.

Many believers have wrong expectations of God. We believe that if we choose to follow the Lord, He will be spare us from experiencing pain and suffering. We view our relationship with God as a kind of insurance policy that will protect us from heartache and loss. The truth is no such insurance policy exists. On the contrary, the opposite may be true.

The LORD’s people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through (Psalm 34:19, CEV).

The people that God chooses often suffer greatly. His chosen people suffered much as slaves in Egypt. When the Lord Jesus arrested Saul/Paul on the way to Damascus, he was told the road ahead would be marked by suffering. Jesus said,  ^“I will show him [Paul] how much he must suffer for worshiping in my name” (Acts 9:16).

Though the path—your path—may be marked by suffering, we have this promise. The Lord will bring you safely through.

Response: LORD God, I trust you to bring me safely through to the Promised Land. You are my inheritance. Help me to endure hardship as your faithful follower. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you viewed God as your insurance policy against suffering?