Afflicted Series

I am not a particularly negative person, though some may judge the reverie in which I have just engaged as being negative. My life has been filled with good things—a lovely wife, three children who graced our home with laughter and joy, good friends who have stood by me in every imaginable situation, opportunities to serve the Lord that have brought joy to my heart. Nevertheless, as I move ever closer to my twilight years, I’m aware of multiple lost opportunities; it is inevitable that any of us should think of such things. I’m conscious of times when I have failed to live up to the potential for greatness, just as each of us approaching the days when the sun is setting in our sky recall missed opportunities—we remember the strained friendships, the efforts that failed to produce the positive results we sought, the moments when we bruised the souls of those we love.

Nevertheless, and despite acute awareness of failures and lost opportunities, my soul is buoyed by Christ Jesus in these days defined by a setting sun. Jesus my Saviour has redeemed my soul and given me life. He has walked with me through every trial serving as my support and giving me strength to serve Him. I heard the Lord say, and I can testify to the veracity of His words even in these days late in the pilgrimage of life,

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the LORD your God.”

[ISAIAH 43:1b-3a]

I am well aware that these words were intended as God’s consolation given to encourage God’s people, Israel. I understand that the Living God was testifying of His love for His people, reassuring Israel even as they were facing divine discipline. Nevertheless, I am naïve enough to believe that Jesus loves me, to believe that He died because of my broken condition, and to believe that He was raised for me. I can testify that the Son of God has supported me throughout the years of my pilgrimage. He promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” [MATTHEW 28:20b].

With the Psalmist, I testify of my confidence in the Saviour:

“My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.”

[PSALM 63:8]

I hear the voice of the Living God speaking comfort to my soul,

“Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

[ISAIAH 41:10]

I suggest that we who believe in the Son of God need to hear the divine message, “Fear not,” especially in this present situation.

Because the Saviour has been with me throughout the days of my walk, I am able to testify that He has “borne [my] sufferings” [see ISV]. The missed opportunities that haunt the darkened corners of my memories, the grief arising from friendships that were abruptly terminated, the pain as brothers in the Faith turn from pursuing the will of the Lord, all are shared by a Saviour who sticks closer than a brother [see PROVERBS 18:24]. Surely He has borne our griefs, surely He has borne our sufferings. Sorrow has never overwhelmed me, though an agony of soul has often washed up against the Rock on which I stand. Suffering, sickness of my soul, has never driven me to despair because the Living God has comforted me in every trial. Christ is faithful, and He cannot fail His beloved child. Each follower of the Risen Saviour is able to testify to this.