When Suffering Comes: Remembering Where True Life Is Found

Psalm 119:107“I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.” (NIV)

Suffering is loss.

We have lost something we need, or we have lost someone we love. The things and people God uses as great blessings to us can cause the greatest suffering when we lose them. As we suffer, we mourn these losses. But when we pray for the Lord to help us—to preserve our lives—we must have a true understanding of what life is and what it is not.

Our life is not found in the things we have lost. Our life is found in our union with Christ. Knowing His all-surpassing love is what brings life to us. Out of His great love, He gives generously. His gifts are perfect for us because they come from His perfect knowledge of our hearts, desires, and needs. However, the perfection of His gifts can also become a temptation. Their beauty can subtly draw our hearts away from the God who gave them.

As we suffer—and as we pray that God would preserve our lives—we must be careful not to assume that our life is found in the thing or person we have lost. Our life is found in Christ alone.

Prayer: Lord, help me to exalt You above every good gift You have placed in my life. Amen.