Affliction and hopelessness often run together causing mayhem in the lives of those they overrun. Fear and anger tend to cooperate in the operation of these two nemeses. Non-believers don’t stand much of a chance against them. Believers on the other hand, can overcome them; indeed, Scripture reveals that the victory over them is already in hand if they receive it. How do you handle affliction? Does it cause you to lose sight of the goodness of God, which in turn leads you feeling hopeless?
Disciples of Jesus Christ have the unique opportunity to become more Christ-like during times of affliction. Moreover, they are able to walk in perfect peace and have joy overflowing in their heart; even in the very thick of it.
Some of you have already walked in peace and joy during those times. Teach those who struggle with it how to do just that. How do we maintain a place of peace during affliction? Let’s start by defining what is affliction.
To begin with, “affliction” has several different meanings in the Bible. Depending on what particular Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) word is used in a verse, you will find the meaning may differ than one used elsewhere, even though they are rendered as “affliction.” However, they are similar and can be connected to each other. All of them have some sort of pain or suffering involved. For example, one means depression or misery in Old Testament Scripture as found in Psalm 119:50, which we will address a little bit later. Another Old Testament word means to be deficient in strength, debilitated, or exhausted. It also infers trouble, sorrow or labors. Yet another one means distresses, while another means a heavy weight or burden. It also may mean adversity or calamity. Still in the New Testament, “affliction” may refer to ill treatment or vexation. Of course, there’s suffering for the cause of Christ. A word related to the later means to crush, press, compress or squeeze –a pressing pressure. Anything that burdens the spirit. It primarily pertains to distress, tribulation or trouble.
Regardless of the type of affliction, God has solutions for each one. Whether you’ve been wrestling with depression on one side of the spectrum or some sort of calamity on the other. Perhaps, it is some sort of distress, burden or outright persecution, and so on. You don’t have to face it alone. Furthermore, it has a shelf-life, even if it seems protracted.
First, begin with this simple premise: God is good, and He is good all the time. Remember, He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (see Hebrews 13:5). Take heart, it is impossible for God to lie (see Hebrews 6:18).
Obviously, circumstances or even our emotions can try to make a liar out of Him, but that only happens when our perception of things is wrong. Similar to what Jesus said, “Take care how you listen” (Luke 8:18), we should take care in using the correct filters through which we view our circumstances. Part of your victory is dependent on the way you view God. Clearly, if you don’t believe He is good, you’ve already lost the battle before you even began to fight. Worse still, you may actually fight against God because you allowed anger and bitterness to grip your heart. Another dangerous viewpoint is the idea God is angry with you, and looks for opportunities to make your life miserable. If that were the case, you’d already be suffering in the pits of hell. Nonetheless, be warned: beware of self-sabotage. Some people cause their own afflictions, and then blame God for their pain. This is simply due to the fact their behavior reflects their belief system. They go about to prove their theories about God all the time.
Another important element in maintaining peace is the Word of God. Whether it’s in the Bible or something He spoke to your heart, zero in on what He said.
2 Corinthians 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Consider what the Psalms have to say about the Word in relation to affliction. Psalm 119:49-50 Remember the word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me. This particular word for affliction means depression or misery. One of the things that kept the writer from being destroyed by depression was his delight in God’s Word (see Psalm 119:92-93). A very practical thing you can do during difficult times is read your Bible or revisit God’s promises to you. There is great comfort found in the scriptures. Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Meditating on God’s Word obliterates the lies of the enemy. Truth always wins out! Declare what He says, after all, the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit (see Ephesians 6:17). Pick it up and wield it.
