Explore the concept of suffering from the perspective of Psalm 73, emphasizing God's sovereignty, the benefits that can come from suffering, and how we can find peace amidst it all.
Good morning, family! Welcome this beautiful Sunday, as we come together to delve into God's word. Today, we're going to explore a topic that we all may have grappled with at some point - suffering. More specifically, we're going to look at it from the perspective of Psalm 73, focusing on God's sovereignty in suffering, the benefits of it, and how we can find peace amidst it all.
Paul Chappell once said, "Often, we endure trials seeking God's deliverance from them. Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God's will is being done." These words remind us that our hardships aren't arbitrary or meaningless - they are part of a grander plan, woven by a God who loves us deeply.
God's sovereignty in suffering requires us to delve deep into our understanding of God's character and His role in our lives. The sovereignty of God is a fundamental tenet of our faith, acknowledging that God is in control of all things. He is the supreme authority, the ultimate power, and nothing happens outside of His will and His control. This includes our suffering.
Asaph grapples: He does so with the prosperity of the wicked and his own suffering. He questions God's justice, but ultimately finds solace in the sovereignty of God. Asaph's journey mirrors our own struggles when we face suffering. We often find ourselves questioning God's fairness, His justice, and even His love. However, it's crucial to remember that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). His sovereignty means that He sees the bigger picture, the grand tapestry of our lives, and He allows suffering for reasons we may not understand.
It serves a purpose: Romans 8:28 assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This doesn't mean that all things are good, but that God can and will use all things, including our suffering, for our good. This is a hard truth to grasp, especially when we are in the midst of pain and hardship. Yet, it's a promise that we can hold onto, knowing that our suffering is not in vain.
It refines us: Just as gold is refined through fire, so are we refined through our trials. 1 Peter 1:6-7 tells us that our faith, more precious than gold, is tested by fire so that it may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Our suffering, under the sovereignty of God, purifies us, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to Him.
Reminds us of our dependence on Him: In our suffering, we realize our weakness and our need for God. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." Our suffering, under God's sovereignty, leads us to a place of humility and dependence on God, where His power is made perfect.
Assures us of His presence: As Asaph concludes in Psalm 73:23-24, "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory." Even in our suffering, God is with us. He guides us, sustains us, and ultimately promises us a future glory that outweighs our present suffering (Romans 8:18).
The benefits of suffering may seem like an oxymoron to many ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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