Bible Study

Title: Close to God
Date: May 11, 2006
Topic(s): Pain/Suffering
Scripture: Psalm 42:5-6, Psalm 38:3-15, 2 Corinthians 11:24-12:9, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Job 1-19, Job 42:3

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When pain invades your life, it can consume you with complaints and questions for God and sometimes even anger or a disappointed faith. That's totally normal, but if you're not careful, it can draw you away from God. However, pain can also have a part in deepening your intimacy with Him.

What Does God Say?

The Bible is full of people who wrestled with pain but who turned to God for their hope.

Psalm 42:5-6 asks, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God" (ESV).

In Psalm 38, King David described his difficulty with "there is no health in my bones" (v. 3, ESV) and "my heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes--it also has gone from me" (v. 10). But he then said with confidence "it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer" (v. 15).

In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, the apostle Paul lists his pain and suffering. Take a look and then flip to 2 Corinthians 12:9 where he says, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (ESV).

Even in the worst pain, you can know the power of Christ and draw on the hope and comfort God offers. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God is "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction" (ESV). Instead of turning away from Him, turn to God's comforting arms.

My Thoughts

What pain are you struggling with today? What effect is it having on your relationship with God?

It's all right to ask God questions when you're in pain--if you're willing to listen for His answer or recognize He may never fully explain it to you this side of heaven. And keep in mind that the most important question may be, "Can I trust God without knowing all the answers?"

That was true for Job, a man who lost everything including his wealth, his family and his health. Take a few moments to trace his journey with Job 1:20-22; 2:7-10; 3:3, 11; 13:3, 15; and 17:1. Then read Job 19:25-27. How would you describe that statement?

Finally God answers Job with an awesome reminder of His great power and love. Put Job's response in Job 42:3 into your own words. Do you think this experience drove Job away from God or closer?

My Part

On paper or a page in your journal, create two columns and title them: "Questions for God" and "Statements of Faith." Start today with some of your questions. Then add statements of faith or trust in God that you find in the Bible.

For example, King David did this in Psalm 10. In verse 1, he asks "Why, O LORD, do you stand afar off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" And his statement of faith comes in verse 17: "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear" (ESV).

You can borrow faith statements (and questions too) from places in the Bible like the Psalms (Psalm 61-63 are a good start), Isaiah and Paul's New Testament letters. Keep this in your Bible or your journal where you can add to it and tap into it to draw closer to God.

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