Saturday, October 23, 2021

Reflection - Number Our Days - The Discipline of Distress

Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 35, "The Discipline of Distress", Page 164.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


If 'the nightingale sings best with a thorn against her breast,' why not we?
PHOTO: If "the nightingale sings best with a thorn
against her breast," why not we?
- Susan Gilbert Dickinson in a letter to Emily Dickinson (1861)

Suffering is exact. We don't grieve in general or in the abstract, but in specific, concrete ways. Most of the consolation we receive, however, is loaded with generalizations and abstractions, as anyone who has ever received a sympathy card knows. "It's all for the best," our friends assure us. Or, "It will turn out for good."

Such comfort, however well-meant, is ineffective. When I suffer, I crave an answer as precise as my pain. In what sense is my suffering for the best? And what is the good, if any, to which my suffering will be turned?

God is fair and just, although the final explanation for evil and injustice awaits heaven. (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 94:3) I cannot know every purpose for which God permits trouble to come my way, and I would be foolish to give an unequivocal (indisputable) answer to the question, "Why suffering?" Yet my afflictions are not meaningless. They are part of the specific good God has determined to do: namely, to turn me to His Word for Hid discipline and instruction that He may enlighten and deepen me.

The psalmist's argument in Psalm 94 is clear: "How long will the wicked [go unpunished]?" he asks. And God answers: "Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge [of their evil]?" (Psalm 94:3, 10, emphasis added) God will discipline the ungodly in due time, He insists; but first He must discipline and teach His own children. A good father begins with his own family. (1 Peter 4:17)

Affliction, when we accept it with humility, can be instructive, a discipline that leads us to a deeper, fuller life. "Before I was afflicted I went astray," the psalmist says, "but now I obey your word." And again, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Peter would agree. Affliction, he says, leads us to live no longer for ourselves, but "for the will of God." (Psalm 119:67-71; 1 Peter 4:2)

Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can be the condition of it - if we're trained by it. It pushes us closer to God and into His Word. It is the means by which He graciously shapes us to be like His Son, gradually giving us the compassion, contentment, tranquility, and courage we long and pray for. Without pain, God could never make the most of our lives.

Poets have wronged poor storms: such days are best;
They purge the air without, within the breast.

That's why Job, who suffered more than anyone I can name, exclaimed in the midst of his troubles, "Blessed is the man whom God corrects," though admittedly, he, like us, found it hard to sustain that thesis at all times. (Job 5:17)

Are you one whom God has set apart today to instruct through suffering and pain? Endure His discipline patiently. He can make the trial a blessing using it to draw you into His heart and into His Word, teaching you the lessons He intends you to learn, working in you the grace He means to bestow, giving you "respite from days of trouble." (Psalm 94:13) This is the "good" to which your suffering can be turned. (Romans 8:28, 29)

God is making more out of you than you ever thought possible.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3
PHOTO: If "the nightingale sings best with a thorn
against her breast," why not we?
- Susan Gilbert Dickinson in a letter to Emily Dickinson (1861)
Picture posted by British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
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https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/styles/400_wide/public/shared_images/fundraising/appeals/nightingale-appeal-appeal-image.jpg?itok=U8s2KkUA
https://www.bto.org/how-you-can-help/help-fund-our-work/appeals/nightingale-appeal


Suffering is exact. We don't grieve in general or in the abstract, but in specific, concrete ways. Most of the consolation we receive, however, is loaded with generalizations and abstractions, as anyone who has ever received a sympathy card knows. "It's all for the best," our friends assure us. Or, "It will turn out for good."

Such comfort, however well-meant, is ineffective. When I suffer, I crave an answer as precise as my pain. In what sense is my suffering for the best? And what is the good, if any, to which my suffering will be turned?


Suffering is exact.
PHOTO: Suffering is exact. We don't grieve in general or in the abstract, but in specific, concrete ways. Comfort, however well-meant, is ineffective. When we suffer, we crave an answer as precise as our pain. In what sense is our suffering for the best? And what is the good, if any, to which our suffering will be turned?
Picture posted by ivanka kostova
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn98cGvGc5SZ4c1MIK7bzlA6AjtKjmJxW2GQUIDtSkVrswdFtOLy5RzZEvJ60JbdjYfATMsEOiUiFeRaKzXKszBIrZiWUjyiOWRtdt5tO9YsUGLYhaQFRoiCzZXwKCuQv-hUHl8fx1jGanSh5AR-T8ivV8nTCXCuq45JxiGo7VJVTtooQXHEBB7eDI=s2048
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/e2/a7/3be2a731906c4870bcb796cde6eeb1d2.jpg
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God is fair and just, although the final explanation for evil and injustice awaits heaven. (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 94:3) [173] I cannot know every purpose for which God permits trouble to come my way, and I would be foolish to give an unequivocal (indisputable) answer to the question, "Why suffering?" Yet my afflictions are not meaningless. They are part of the specific good God has determined to do: namely, to turn me to His Word for Hid discipline and instruction that He may enlighten and deepen me.


God is fair and just, although the final explanation for evil and injustice awaits heaven. (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 94:3)
PHOTO: God is fair and just, although the final explanation for evil and injustice awaits heaven. (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 94:3) I cannot know every purpose for which God permits trouble to come my way. My afflictions are not meaningless. They are part of the specific good God has determined to do: namely, to turn me to His Word for Hid discipline and instruction that He may enlighten and deepen me.
Picture posted by KatieAustin on 17 April 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuXAI63eWDVD4-FnGxVldX9xB2T1iprlnsWxsASd1o1B1w1BP0zsn9-Sq_e2_LuvPghybNMWeRhCMTtHEqqwtGKgvI3mltsKiMuar3LmWNtbCBJs1tlzJPq6LyVMb9ZIJlWRGlSxt-5XpEhVLlTTAj8-x9O46A-lUlplKmKXOCVmmpcEZr7hbKGTmH=s2048
https://executivesoul.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pleasure-1-prairie-woman-at-sunset.jpg
https://executivesoul.com.au/raising-your-pleasure-threshold/


The psalmist's argument in Psalm 94 is clear: "How long will the wicked [go unpunished]?" he asks. And God answers: "Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge [of their evil]?" (Psalm 94:3, 10, emphasis added) [174] God will discipline the ungodly in due time, He insists; but first He must discipline and teach His own children. A good father begins with his own family. (1 Peter 4:17) [175]


How long will the wicked [go unpunished]?
PHOTO: "How long will the wicked [go unpunished]?"
God will discipline the ungodly in due time, He insists; but first He must discipline and teach His own children. A good father begins with his own family. (1 Peter 4:17)
Picture posted by Rob Bartee, Alamy - woman burning at the stake on fire
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYKiuJrAfRDjcBg5vN1Gj5z9nZpbpJid61Uadywo_PpQ2yqlmKKxLNlGsaXvm1fehLrYOhIbXrPdTf8Gc2p4bWQ3Y9P8NCSIgN8q7gVlJcR0t3bqfCBjFF4KsRq9ss9_3sSbY4SKwIJyvcw_yi9oJK6WsVe5GiJH589zhkwxeirlFbo3x-vsYirWp7=s1300
https://h7.alamy.com/comp/AEN340/woman-burning-at-the-stake-on-fire-AEN340.jpg
https://www.alamy.com/woman-burning-at-the-stake-on-fire-image2544447.html


Affliction, when we accept it with humility, can be instructive, a discipline that leads us to a deeper, fuller life. "Before I was afflicted I went astray," the psalmist says, "but now I obey your word." And again, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Peter would agree. Affliction, he says, leads us to live no longer for ourselves, but "for the will of God." (Psalm 119:67-71; 1 Peter 4:2) [176]


Affliction, when we accept it with humility, can be instructive, a discipline that leads us to a deeper, fuller life.
PHOTO: Affliction, when we accept it with humility, can be instructive, a discipline that leads us to a deeper, fuller life. Affliction leads us to live no longer for ourselves, but "for the will of God." (Psalm 119:67-71; 1 Peter 4:2)
Photo by: Lewis Jacobs/NBC
Picture posted by usanetwork.com - Arielle Kebbel as Olivia in 'Midnight Texas - Burnt at the Stake'
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVL95ECSK223QAk7gK-x2kJELbsSOE9c7mH3exlNq6BzlPQmTN_aWnlBntqHZOSewrVhijwtiggFBf_mJxW-qKhB6Eoq9Xw3hLz5-m4V3YdRBmAN2bek-crJnwIFXw6DVxry94WOdFqxGTDlUYYrskS_rhMbHifPFzx7ubCGZRI2K5WBL7Kqi_e8sj=s2048
https://img.nbc.com/sites/nbcunbc/files/images/2018/12/27/NUP_184570_0551.JPG
https://www.usanetwork.com/midnight-texas/photos/season-2/yasss-queen/3106823


Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can be the condition of it - if we're trained by it. It pushes us closer to God and into His Word. It is the means by which He graciously shapes us to be like His Son, gradually giving us the compassion, contentment, tranquility, and courage we long and pray for. Without pain, God could never make the most of our lives.


Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can be the condition of it - if we're trained by it.
PHOTO: Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can be the condition of it - if we're trained by it. It pushes us closer to God and into His Word. It is the means by which He graciously shapes us to be like His Son, gradually giving us the compassion, contentment, tranquility, and courage we long and pray for. Without pain, God could never make the most of our lives.
Picture posted by Editorial Team on 07 February 2017 - God Shouts to Us in Our Pain
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzBkA9AcSkY1nl-2gVTLBB4Hbgbxd77Wny-ioX79TmKUMGKo4D0ZpbTAtG938v6XxdPFCU888sjq7rmUv61FHRogHhMdT-bSXc_ZgKBDJp5m-ft705Ve4kl4a0WSeOrqHr4MLsu-ei4HjXOYjTFJxuJ4V-OGfs1RUw8MWjtcTDrHSO5BA3oIOzCkfR=s1000
https://hallelujah.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/76818604.jpg
https://hallelujah.co.ke/god-shouts-us-pain/


Poets have wronged poor storms: such days are best;
They purge the air without, within the breast. [177]

That's why Job, who suffered more than anyone I can name, exclaimed in the midst of his troubles, "Blessed is the man whom God corrects," though admittedly, he, like us, found it hard to sustain that thesis at all times. (Job 5:17) [178]


Job, who suffered more than anyone, exclaimed in the midst of his troubles, 'Blessed is the man whom God corrects,' though admittedly, he, like us, found it hard to sustain that thesis at all times. (Job 5:17)PHOTO: Job, who suffered more than anyone, exclaimed in the midst of his troubles, "Blessed is the man whom God corrects," though admittedly, he, like us, found it hard to sustain that thesis at all times. (Job 5:17)
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
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http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/bhs/2015/92 - (92.jpg)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102015152
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2016/09/reflection-introduction-to-book-of-job.html


Are you one whom God has set apart today to instruct through suffering and pain? Endure His discipline patiently. He can make the trial a blessing using it to draw you into His heart and into His Word, teaching you the lessons He intends you to learn, working in you the grace He means to bestow, giving you "respite from days of trouble." (Psalm 94:13) [179] This is the "good" to which your suffering can be turned. (Romans 8:28, 29) [180]

God is making more out of you than you ever thought possible.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3


God can make the trial a blessing using it to draw you into His heart and into His Word, teaching you the lessons He intends you to learn, working in you the grace He means to bestow, giving you 'respite from days of trouble.' (Psalm 94:13)
PHOTO: God can make the trial a blessing using it to draw you into His heart and into His Word, teaching you the lessons He intends you to learn, working in you the grace He means to bestow, giving you "respite from days of trouble." (Psalm 94:13) This is the "good" to which your suffering can be turned. (Romans 8:28, 29)
Picture posted by tumblr on 01 July 2019
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https://64.media.tumblr.com/a1bd6207047c60b5433ab88c5caf864f/tumblr_psflgtANog1wdf4gh_500.gif
https://kristinasmi.tumblr.com/post/185296633809
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/33777065946340769/


Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that God is fair and just, although the final explanation for evil and injustice awaits heaven. We cannot know every purpose for which God permits trouble to come our way, and we would be foolish to give an unequivocal answer to the question.

Meanwhile, suffering is exact. We don't grieve in general or in the abstract, but in specific, concrete ways. Most of the consolation we receive, however, is loaded with generalizations and abstractions, as anyone who has ever received a sympathy card knows.

Such comfort, however well-meant, is ineffective. When we suffer, we crave an answer as precise as our pain. In what sense is our suffering for the best? And what is the good, if any, to which our suffering will be turned?

Lord, even the psalmist asked ‘how long will the wicked go unpunished.’ We learn that God will discipline the ungodly in due time. But first He must discipline and teach His own children. A good father begins with his own family.

Thank You Lord, affliction, when we accept it with humility, can be instructive, a discipline that leads us to a deeper, fuller life.

We learn too, affliction leads us to live no longer for ourselves, but ‘for the will of God.’ Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can be the condition of it - if we're trained by it. It pushes us closer to God and into His Word.

Lord, we learn that pain is the means by which You graciously shapes us to be like Your Son, gradually giving us the compassion, contentment, tranquillity, and courage we long and pray for. Without pain, You could never make the most of our lives.

Lord, we pray that we can be like Job, who suffered more than anyone, exclaimed in the midst of his troubles, ‘Blessed is the man whom God corrects,’ though admittedly, he, like us, found it hard to sustain that thesis at all times.

Lord, if we have been set apart today to be instructed through suffering and pain, help us to endure Your discipline patiently. May the trial be a blessing using it to draw us into Your heart and into Your Word, teaching us the lessons You intend us to learn, working in us the grace You mean to bestow, giving us ‘respite from days of trouble.’ May this be the ‘good’ to which our suffering can be turned.

Lord, thank You for making more out of us than we ever thought possible. Help us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds, because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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Reflection - Number Our Days - The Discipline of Distress
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 35, "The Discipline of Distress", Page 164.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


Other Books

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 35, "The Discipline of Distress", Page 164-167.

[173] This is not wistful thinking. God's justice is affirmed in the Word (e.g., Genesis 18:25). Injustice will not go unpunished. The only question regarding the existence of evil is, "How long?" (Psalm 94:3).

[174] Psalm 94:3, 10, emphasis added

[175] 1 Peter 4:17

[176] Psalm 119:67-71; 1 Peter 4:2

[177] George Herbert, "The storm" (language updated).

[178] Job 5:17

[179] The word translated "respite" in Psalm 94:13 means "to be quiet and undisturbed" or "to be at rest." The Jerusalem Bible translate it: "His mind is at peace though things are bad."

[180] Romans 8:28, 29


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Peter 4:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+4%3A17&version=NIV

Genesis 18:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18%3A25&version=NIV

James 1:2-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-3&version=NIV

Job 5:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+5%3A17&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Psalm 94:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+94%3A3&version=NIV

Psalm 94:3, 10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+94%3A3%2C+10&version=NIV

Psalm 94:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+94%3A13&version=NIV

Psalm 119:67-71; 1 Peter 4:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A67-71%3B+1+Peter+4%3A2&version=NIV

Romans 8:28, 29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28%2C+29&version=NIV

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