Suffering is an unavoidable reality in this life for all people, whether Christians or not. It takes many forms, from illnesses and disasters to persecution and old age. We were not designed for pain and sadness, but sin’s curse has brought all forms of sadness and misery into creation. It will not always be so, for Christ’s return will usher in the glorious eternal age of the new heavens and new earth in which, as Revelation 21:4 describes it, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, not crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” But until then, sorrow will be a part of our lives.
The Bible records every form of suffering that afflicts mankind, from the records of Job’s afflictions at the hand of Satan, to David’s fleeing the jealous anger of Saul, to the martyrdom of Stephen as the as-yet-unconverted Saul stood by. God not only shows us the reality of suffering, He even gives us principles and promises to sustain us when we are struggling and words to sing in Psalms that show us how to keep our eyes on the Lord who allows these times to come, and who promises to use them to accomplish His purposes through us, bringing glory to Himself as well as deeper trust in Him for ourselves.