Bible Studies

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The Psalms
Psalm 119: 137-144 - Surviving Pain and Suffering
Key Verses: (NCV)

• 137: "Lord, you do what is right, and your laws are fair." - The psalmist is reminding us that in life, especially as we face hardship, God remains faithful and true.
  
  
• 139: "I am so upset I am worn out, because my enemies have forgotten your words." - Life can be a struggle and in the midst of the darkness, the enemies we face - sickness, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness - seemingly invade our lives and threaten to overthrow God's kingdom. This battle can wear us out.
  
  
• 141: "I am unimportant and hated, but I have not forgotten your orders." - Loneliness and despair wash over us and our world shrinks. However, God's love is available as a life preserver to carry us through.
  
  
• 143-144: "I have had troubles and misery, but I love your commands. ¹⁴⁴Your rules are always good. Help me understand so I can live." - We all seek understanding for the circumstances of life.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you worn out? Has life dealt you one unfair blow after another? Do hurdles and struggles, seemingly, pop up in front of you at alarming consistency? Do you wonder why? Have you had enough? Are you upset? Do the promises of God seem lost and overwhelmed by the constant onslaught of pain and misery? What is the psalmist suggesting that you can do when you feel this way about life? Does he suggest that you lash out or place blame? Should you give up? Or, is he suggesting that you adamantly seek the goodness of God even in the darkest of times?
  
  
• Are you unimportant? Do you feel that the issues you are facing do not concern God? Are you a minor speck in the history of dust storms and are you being blown away without anyone noticing? Do you think God has swept you aside and has forgotten you? Are you hated? Do you feel people are avoiding you like a plague? Have you been left alone in your struggles? Does anyone really care? Does anyone truly understand? In the midst of these types of feelings, do you remember God's love? Can you grasp on to His hope? Will you continue to seek His truth?
  
  
• Do you pray for understanding? Do you feel if God could simply explain why you are suffering that you would somehow be strengthened? Would clarity of purpose provide you with coping skills and inspire you to hope? Do you seek understanding in order to live? The psalmist shows us that seeking understanding is a normal aspect to living. When you pray for clarity of God's purpose, have you ever experienced a sense of peace and calm? After bearing your soul and revealing all of your frustrations to God has your strength been renewed?
  

Promise of the Gospel:

Interlaced throughout our verses today, the psalmist talks about pain and then, speaks of God's glory. He struggles with his own pain and then he remembers what God has done for him. This is the reality of life. Issues and struggles sweep into our lives like the unending tide. As we absorb each wave, we initially look inward and struggle. Then as we seek understanding, we look to God for help. We call out His name in pain and, as we do, we remember His love, His law, and His promises of hope. Life frequently deals more hardship then we think we can absorb. Darkness overwhelms us and we feel abandoned and forgotten. All the joy and love God offers seemingly is washed away in pain. The enemies keep coming and we become simply worn out. It is in these times of hopelessness that as we seek understanding we see that God is still there. He sends us life-preservers of hope. He fills us with strength to persevere. Maybe we will never fully understand why we have to face specific challenges and obstacles. Possibly issues of fairness will always allude our comprehension. Perhaps the suffering and pain will never cease. The enemies of sickness, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness will seemingly be winning the war and we may want to give up. However, the psalmist says to simply remember that the light of God will never be extinguished. He is good and His love will endure forever.

FUMC Devotionals

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