Theme of the Week: Why Is Life So Hard?
Bible Verse: Some were prisoners suffering in chains because of their rebellion against God’s commands. Psalm 107:10
Scripture Reading: Psalm 107:10-16
One reason why we suffer is because we can be losers.
A second reason for suffering is because of we can be rebels. And rebels suffer punishment. This may be the easiest one to understand and the hardest one to accept.
There is a Lawgiver and Judge and, when we break the law, we will be punished or disciplined. Now, when God punishes us, it is not like He takes some morbid pleasure in our suffering. Not at all.
As a father, I have had to discipline my children. It has never been an enjoyable experience for me. In fact, it is the worst part about being a parent. That’s why being a grandparent is so much fun! I don’t have to do any disciplining anymore.
The reason I disciplined my kids is because I loved them. I know that if certain behaviors were left unchecked, that dear child was going to be headed for an ocean of suffering in their future.
If they think that they can lie and things will be better for them, they are going to be very sorry. Or if they think that it is appropriate to smack their siblings when they are mad or to steal whatever they want or to be disrespectful to the people around them, then their lives are going to be miserable.
So, to help them, to set them up for a better future, I had the responsibility to discipline them. But it is love-based discipline.
And that is how God treats us. Yes, there are times when we need to suffer for something we have done wrong, but suffering is never the end result. It is always a love-based action from the Heavenly Father who loves us very much and wants to ensure that we have a life of joy and fullness.
If we humbly repent of our wrongdoings and turn away from continuing in them, that particular suffering will decrease.
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