God As A Companion During Suffering

I've been asking God a lot of questions lately.  

I'm wondering why God would allow so much pain in the world, suffered mainly by the helpless, marginalized, and vulnerable among us.  

There is so much hatred and ugliness in our divided society.  There is so much wrong with the world that it sometimes feels like it will never be made right.  And sometimes what's wrong in the world touches us, and leaves us in pain.  

In times of deep suffering and uncertainty, it's natural to grapple with profound questions about the nature of God and His role in our pain. 

In his outstanding work on theology, Faith Seeking Understanding, Daniel Migliore reminds us:  

"God's accompanying of the creatures in their suffering is sheer grace, unexpected companionship in the depths of affliction... In God's companionship with sufferers, they are affirmed in their dignity and value in spite of the assault on their being by disease or their victimization of others." 

This statement serves as a beacon of hope for those wrestling with the harsh realities of life, emphasizing that we are not alone, even in our darkest moments.

The question of why a good God allows suffering has echoed throughout history, touching the hearts of countless individuals. Yet, in this struggle, we discover a remarkable truth: God walks alongside us during our trials. 

The presence of God amid our suffering is not just an abstract theological concept; it is a lived reality that offers solace and strength. In our moments of vulnerability, we can experience the profound companionship of a compassionate God who sees us, understands our pain, and holds us gently in His embrace.

As Migliore states, this companionship is a gift that affirms our dignity and value despite the assaults on our being. It serves as a reminder that our struggles do not diminish our worth. 

In the depths of our affliction, when we might feel isolated or abandoned, God's presence reassures us that we are cherished. We are not defined by our suffering; rather, we are defined by our relationship with a God who loves us unconditionally.

Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of God’s faithful presence in the lives of those who suffer. From the Psalms cried out in anguish to the quiet strength given to those in exile, God's companionship has been a lifeline for many. God walked with the forsaken and the broken-hearted, turning mourning into dancing and despair into hope. 

As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember that hope is not the absence of suffering but rather the assurance that we will not face it alone. In God's gentle reassurance, we find the strength to persevere. God's grace sustains us, offering light in our darkest hours. 

We should also know that we are not meant to be passive when we see injustices in the world around us.  Sometimes, we can become the answer to our own prayers if we are willing to light a candle instead of merely cursing the darkness.  

So, let us hold on to faith, even when understanding eludes us. As we find ourselves in the depths of our trials, may we embrace the presence of God, trusting that God walks with us, affirming our worth and nurturing our hope. 

In that companionship, we find solace and the promise of brighter days. Through faith and the gift of divine companionship, we can endure, heal, and ultimately emerge transformed.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.