PEACE IN THE MIDDLE OF SUFFERING

During our youth fellowship last night, one of the questions that was asked of the youth during the group discussion was, "Is peace possible in the midst of suffering?" One of the youth answered, "Yes, because you have friends and families who can be with you and comfort you." When Job was severely suffering from his losses, three of his friends visited him to offer comfort and encouragement. At first they did not say anything to Job for seven days and nights without any word spoken. Job 2:12-13 says, "When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words." It could have been comforting to Job when his three friends visited him, for his wife wasn't encouraging at all. His friends probably prayed for him for seven days and nights and waited for Job to say something. When Job began to talk, his friends started sharing their thoughts to encourage Job.

One of the ways God comforts us during our difficult circumstances is through our families and friends. When we are emotionally distressed, it is difficult for us to do anything, and this is the time we need someone to come alongside of us. I remember when I was grieving and going through difficult times in my life that God surrounded me with supportive families and friends. They lifted me with their presence, prayer, and encouraging words. God used them to help me to move on and recover from my difficult circumstances. Let us praise God for our families and friends who have been with us in difficult times. But most importantly, we need to praise God because he is the source of our comfort and peace in the midst of our suffering. He is the only one who knows the condition of our hearts and understands our pain and suffering. Psalm 34:17-18 says, "The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." 

God is with us in our suffering. He is the one who gives us peace in the midst of our pain and suffering through our families and friends. No matter how we feel, God is always with us.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who can give me peace in the midst of my suffering? How do I feel when my family and close friends comfort me in my suffering? What lesson did I learn from today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for comforting and giving me peace through my family and friends in my time of troubles. Although I may not know how everything will turn out in the future, I have the assurance that you are going to take care of everything that concerns me. May your peace calm my fear and your strength lift me today. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.