Patience in the Suffering

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us"

Romans 8:18

Pain and suffering were not eliminated on the cross.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" Romans 8:18. Depression and anxiety are current sufferings, but they do not follow you into eternal life. While He promises that life will be purposeful, there is no comparison of the sufferings that comes with depression and anxiety with the glory of His purpose for each and every one of you. Depression and anxiety may cause many experiences to be uncomfortable, yet He calls you to be patient. Too often people are trying to get over things, rather than get through them. As in Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Many living with depression and anxiety hope for days, minutes, hours, moments without the experiences of of their symptoms. Whether or not they have those symptomless moments currently, they are still hoping for them. And when they have symptomless moments they continue to hope that they continue. They do not let the symptoms stop them from hoping for the next moment of peace. And here you are reminded that it is not wrong to hope for these things (symptoms, frustrations, feelings) to change, but you are called to be patient.

There are times that depression and anxiety keep you from knowing what to even hope for next. Experiencing depression and anxiety can be an ongoing experience, and when there are moments of peace or there are moments of darkness it can be difficult to even imagine what is coming next or what you would even want to come next. Thankfully He has you covered completely with His grace and love. Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Depression and anxiety are not a weakness, and yet you may feel weak in the sufferings of these experiences. There are times that words cannot express the experiences that are being had, and yet He knows you heart. He knows what you can hope for and need through Him.

Suffering does not have to be the end. Fight this end with patience. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." He works for the good of those who love Him. Depression and anxiety are not your purpose. But could they be the tools that lead you to your purpose? Imagine a world where no one experiences depression and anxiety, it would be an amazing world. But the moment that one person experiences depression and anxiety, there is now a need for empathy, understanding, acceptance, and guidance of hope. Depression and anxiety are not the purpose, they are the suffering that leads you further into your purpose. Experiences of depression and anxiety are the moments that you are called to be patient. These experiences are the moments that you are called to trust Him, and to not trust the experiences. It is easier said than done to be patient in these moments of pain, trials, turmoils, and chaos. It is not meant to be easy, it is meant to be worth it. And you read time and time again throughout Romans, that He is worth it but also that you are worth it because of Him.

Scripture:

Romans 8

Romans 8:18

Romans 8:25

Romans 8:26-27

Romans 8:28

Questions:

Do you trust that He knows your heart?

How does His knowledge of your heart, support your healing through times of suffering?

What experiences have you had that have helped, or could help, others?

Prayer:

Lord, I come to you with an open heart. At times the words cannot even make it to my lips. The words are lost in the chaos of confusion, hurt, suffering, and pain. But I know that you have come to know me, you have come to guide me in your ways, and to teach me. Lord, I pray that even in my suffering I am able to find your guidance and your way to become closer to you, closer to the purpose that you have for me. Lord, I pray for others that are lost in this same confusion, that they may be patient in their times of need and find hope in all that you have in store for them. I give you my heart, the words I cannot speak, and the feelings that I cannot describe. I give this to you and pray for hope. In your sons name, Amen.