Suffering

Psalm 119:49-50 — Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

O how beautiful

is Your instruction,

Lord my Savior.

Though my afflictions persist

and thorns pierce my flesh,

Your whispers bring me comfort.

Though my enemies surround me

and troubles tear away at my flesh,

Your commands bring me peace.

There is no greater beauty in life,

no deeper wonder,

than what is born from suffering.

For Your hand, O God,

is strong planted alongside the meek,

the weary and burdened.

If my suffering left me at once

so too would my desperation for You;

if I was freed from affliction

my faith would lose its addiction to You.

Therefore,

should I not rejoice in my sorrows

and cherish my troubles?

What good would light be

without darkness?

What good would faith be

without suffering?

Your hand, O God,

is with the heavy in heart.

Your victory, O Lord,

is in the souls of those who suffer.

Your truth, O righteous Father,

is inscribed on the minds of the mourning,

the wise who resiliently rejoice

in affliction.

Amen.