Suffering and Unhappiness

      Our American ideals frequently hinder our Christianity. Our concept of independence can hinder us from attaining the help we need from brethren. Our concept of capitalism can focus us on material goods, causing us to lose sight of the spiritual good. Another concept hindering us dates back to the Declaration of Independence.

      Since July 4, 1776, we have been convinced everything is about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Life should be fun and happy. We can wash clothes in no time. We can microwave food. We can find entertainment with the push of a button. We drive to work in air conditioned or heated cars. We buy clothes at the store. We order food and have it on our tables in minutes. We are convinced this is how life should be—easy.

      If we have a headache, we take a pill. If our back hurts, we go to the chiropractor. If pain gets too bad, we pick up a prescription. This is also how life should be—pain free.

      No wonder we believe Christianity should be happy, easy and pain free. We have become fundamentally convinced if something is hard, God must not expect it of us. We are certainly convinced God never expects us to suffer or be unhappy.

      The moment we endure suffering or feel unhappy, we are convinced either God doesn’t exist, refuses to take care of us or He doesn’t expect us to do whatever we are doing. This seems to hit marriages most today. I don’t know how many people have dispensed with Matthew 19:6 because they are unhappy in marriage. But it also happens regarding Bible study, prayer and assembling. Since those things take discipline and hard work, some people are convinced God doesn’t really require them. Surely, life is supposed to be easy.

      We ask then, what does God expect regarding suffering and unhappiness? In Acts 14:22, Paul told the new Christians they would enter the kingdom through much tribulation. In James 1:2-4, James wrote we should count it all joy when we face suffering. That will produce steadfastness, which will produce completeness and maturity. In Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoiced over a beating. In I Peter 2:18-20, Peter told slaves to endure suffering patiently. This was called being mindful of God.

      God does not expect us to run away from suffering and unhappiness, but rather to run to Him for comfort and strength. No matter how bad it is, He is there beside us. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (ESV)

      Don’t abandon God and His will because it has caused some unhappiness. Rather, rely on Him and He will carry you through to eternal comfort.

Edwin L. Crozier