Our Pain is Not Pointless
Pain and suffering are universal human experiences that often challenge our faith. Many people struggle with reconciling their belief in a loving God with the reality of suffering in their lives.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Our pain is not pointless. God has a purpose for it, even when we don't know what it is.
Read: Psalm 88
The Problem with "Picture Perfect" Christianity
Just like the difference between advertised fast food photos and reality, Christianity is sometimes presented as a perfect, problem-free life. This "prosperity gospel" approach promises health, wealth, and happiness to believers. However, this version of faith often leads to disappointment and disillusionment when reality hits.
Why Do People Lose Their Faith When Suffering Comes?
Many Christians struggle when facing:
Unexpected loss of loved ones
Failed marriages
Financial hardships
Mental health challenges
Chronic illness or pain
When suffering arrives, people often conclude either something is wrong with their faith or something is wrong with them. Neither conclusion is accurate.
What Does the Bible Actually Say About Suffering?
Psalm 88 provides a raw, honest look at suffering in the Bible. Unlike most psalms that end on a hopeful note, this one concludes in darkness and pain. This unique psalm demonstrates that God values authenticity in our pain more than forced positivity.
Key insights from Psalm 88:
The writer cries out to God in genuine anguish
He feels near death and without strength
He questions God's apparent absence
The psalm ends without resolution
How Does God View Our Pain?
Our pain is precious to God - even when unresolved. Psalm 56:8 reveals that God keeps track of our sorrows and collects our tears in His bottle. He doesn't demand we quickly move past suffering or fake happiness.
God's response to our pain:
He draws near to the hurting
He values honest expression of grief
He doesn't belittle or dismiss our pain
He stays present even without providing answers
Life Application
This week, consider these questions:
Am I trying to rush past pain instead of processing it honestly?
How can I create safe spaces for others to express their suffering?
Do I trust that God cares about my pain even when I don't understand it?
Challenge: Practice sitting with someone in their pain this week without trying to fix it or offer explanations. Simply be present and acknowledge their hurt, knowing that's often what people need most.
Remember: Our pain is not pointless. Even when we don't understand the purpose, God remains present and caring through our darkest moments. He values authentic expression of our struggles more than forced positivity.
Discussion Questions
How do you typically respond to difficult seasons in your life?
What does Psalm 88 teach us about expressing our pain to God?
Have you ever felt like your pain was pointless? How did you cope with that feeling?
Why do you think God allows unresolved pain to be part of our experience?
How can we support others who are going through their own 'Psalm 88' moments?
What role does community play in helping us endure suffering?
How can we ensure that our faith is built to last through trials?
What does it mean to you that God collects our tears in His bottle, as mentioned in Psalm 56:8?
