The other parts of this series: Part I, Part III and Part IV.

The Cause of Suffering

II. A broken world with broken systems and broken people

Romans 8:20-23: For the creations was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 

Psalm 11:1-3:
In the LORD, I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”

When I read this passage from Psalm in my quiet time, I felt the desperation of the writer, David, when he was a fugitive from King Saul. We simply cannot escape suffering because our present world is broken from its foundations up.

Everything God created is corrupted and distorted from the original designs. Our perfect earth has been ruined from its foundations since the incident in Genesis 3. After humankind fell into sin, destruction and decay permeate everything: every entity, relationship, institution, desire, principle. Even when there’s no big tragedy and our life seems fine, there’s always a perpetual ache within us for something more; our inner soul detects the former glory we could have had if not because of the Fall.

People inflict pain on one another intentionally and unintentionally, it is not natural for us to love others. When we say we love someone most of the time it means we need that person to meet our expectations and be ‘many things’ for us or because we love how that other person makes us feel about life and ourselves. To love unselfishly more often is an oxymoron. Paradise has lost the harmonious existence, in return, we have mismatches, arguments, dissensions, conflict, hate, and anger.

In the marketplace, the principle of what works and doesn’t work is also topsy-turvy because of corruption. I witness firsthand how my friends had to swallow negative consequences because they want to be righteous in their business dealings. What I admire most from them is they know full well there’s no guarantee the outcomes would turn out well, and while the odd was not in their favor, they still did what they believe pleasing to God. Sometimes God delivers them in miraculous ways that show God’s fingerprints all over and sometimes God seems to be quiet, nevertheless my friends faithfully and quietly glorify Him in all circumstances.

I remember my faithful friends when I read these verses:

Psalm 20:7-8: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. (chariots and horses represent worldly strength of wealth and power)

2 Timothy 3:12: In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…

The world might see my friends as fools, but I see beauty in their devotions. I understand they are no fools, but they are simply wise beyond this world, they are holding on to His promises that span through eternity. Suffering compels us to look beyond this broken world and places our hope to an oncoming redeemed and restored world.

You taste firsthand the brokenness of this world in your suffering, how evil comes in different shades, infiltrates and pervades everything. Sufferings faithfully attend us in a fallen world. When we suffer, we can appreciate more the hope God offers in our salvation and heavenly future.

2 Corinthians 4:17: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

 

What can we do in this broken world system?

Some ways to arm ourselves in facing the inevitable:

First, we need to acknowledge that the world is broken from its roots up to its branches and fruits. We should not be too surprised to see the extent of its brokenness, in fact, we should be prepared and anticipate it.

Second, we look from Scripture for guidance on how we should operate, what are the timeless principles that would be applicable in our circumstances, pray for boldness and courage to follow through. Ask God for a continual infusion of His love which enables you to love Him and others more earnestly, flowing from the heart.

Third, we should be steadfast in following God’s principles, comforted by the facts that Jesus Christ also shares our sufferings and He helps us in our suffering, our time on earth is very temporary and limited, God is still sovereign and our faithfulness will be rewarded.

Hebrews 2:18: Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

1 Peter 1:6-7: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

 

The other parts of this series: Part I, Part III and Part IV.

---

I want to share this hymn for your encouragement, the title is Day by Day (the Indonesian version is Kekuatan dan Penghiburan):

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly, it’s part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Help me then, in every tribulation
So to trust Your promises, O LORD,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Your Holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a Father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the Promised Land!

Kekuatan serta penghiburan
diberikan Tuhan padaku.
Tiap hari aku dibimbingNya;
Tiap jam dihibur hatiku.
Dan sesuai dengan hikmat Tuhan
‘ku dibri’kan apa yang perlu.
Suka dan derita bergantian
memperkuat imanku.

Tiap hari Tuhan besertaku,
diberi rahmatNya tiap jam.
diangkatNya bila aku jatuh,
dihalauNya musuhku kejam.
Yang namaNya Raja Mahakuasa,
Bapa yang kekal dan abadi,
mengimbangi duka dengan suka
dan menghibur yang sedih.