Understanding Suffering from a Biblical Lens

Suffering, from a biblical standpoint, is not just a physical or emotional experience but also a spiritual one. It’s a reality often linked to the brokenness of our world. The Bible reveals that suffering entered the world through sin. In Genesis 3:16-19, we read about the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden of Eden, marking the beginning of suffering in human history. The passage describes the immediate effects of the fall: pain in childbirth for Eve, toil and struggle for Adam in his work, and, ultimately, death as the fate of all humanity. As I tell my students, where we are today is Adam and Eve’s fault. Their inability to be obedient to God ruined what He intended.

The Genesis account in the garden sets the stage for understanding the inevitability of suffering in a world overwhelmed with sin (just look at the news daily and the horror stories of the evil in the world). It’s a reminder that suffering is a part of the human experience, an unfortunate but unavoidable reality since the fall. This doesn’t mean that God is indifferent to our pain. On the contrary, the Bible shows that God is deeply involved in our suffering and works through it to accomplish His purposes in our lives and the world.

In this fallen world, suffering takes many forms—from physical illnesses and emotional distresses to spiritual struggles and relational conflicts. Each of these, in their own way, reflects the broader brokenness of the world. The Bible also offers a message of hope amid suffering. It points us to a God who is sovereign over our pain and compassionate, having experienced suffering Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, we find the ultimate answer to our pain and the promise of a world restored, where suffering will be no more (Revelation 21:4). A biblical view of suffering acknowledges its reality and certainty in a fallen world, pointing to Christ’s hope and redemption. This perspective challenges us to see our sufferings not as mere random occurrences but as opportunities to grow in our faith and truly understand why Christ must be where our faith and hope rest. 

Old Testament Perspectives

Job: Understanding Suffering Beyond Personal Sin (Job 1-2)

The story of Job provides insights into the nature of suffering, particularly about personal sin and God’s sovereignty. Job, a man of righteousness, experienced suffering not as a punishment for his wrongdoings but as part of a complex plan that goes beyond our human understanding. This narrative fundamentally challenges the misconception that all suffering is from individual sin. Instead, it reveals that suffering can be a tool in God’s hands, serving His unknowable and sovereign purposes.

In biblical counseling, this understanding is crucial. It equips us to recognize that while sin can lead to suffering, not every hardship or trial is a consequence of personal sin. This distinction is vital for providing compassionate, truthful biblical counseling. From this perspective, suffering can be seen as a means through which God refines our faith, molds our character, and furthers a deeper reliance upon Him. In the life of a believer, such trials can draw us closer to God, helping us experience His presence and power. The story of Job is not just a tale of suffering but a powerful testament to God’s infinite wisdom and sovereignty in the lives of His people.

Psalms of Lament (Psalm 22; 42) 

Psalm 22 poignantly starts with an anguished plea, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” This heartfelt outpouring encapsulates a sense of abandonment. The psalm shifts toward a confident affirmation of God’s deliverance and faithfulness as it progresses. This psalm teaches us that even in despair, we can hold fast to the assurance of God’s unfailing presence. Psalm 42 describes a soul’s intense longing for God amid overwhelming tears and trials. It metaphorically portrays the soul as parched, desperately thirsting for the living God, like a deer panting for streams of water. This psalm beautifully illustrates that in times of sorrow, our souls can find true rest and rejuvenation in the Lord.

These Old Testament perspectives shape a biblical approach to counseling in several ways. First, they help us understand that suffering is a complex and multifaceted reality, not always directly linked to personal sin. This understanding should bring about compassion in counseling situations. Second, the lament psalms provide a model for counselors to help individuals express their pain and grief honestly in a way that honors God. Encouraging counselees to bring their laments to God can be a decisive step in starting to see God as their Father in heaven instead of a vengeful and judging God. A theology of suffering from an Old Testament perspective underlines that suffering is a part of life that God can use for His purposes. It emphasizes the importance of honesty in expressing our pain and placing our hope and trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

New Testament Insights

Jesus the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53; Luke 24:25-27)

The concept of suffering in the life of Christ is rooted in the Bible, taking a pivotal role in understanding God’s redemptive plan. Isaiah 53 is a massive prophecy, foretelling Jesus as the suffering servant. This imagery is symbolic and forms the bedrock of comprehending the redemptive significance of suffering. This prophecy is echoed and fulfilled in the New Testament, notably in passages like Luke 24:25-27, where Jesus Himself explains to the disciples on the road to Emmaus how the Scriptures prophesied His sufferings.

The ministry of Jesus, as chronicled in the Gospels, is intertwined with suffering. From His humble birth to His life as a servant and ultimately His sacrificial death, Jesus’ earthly journey was marked by trials and tribulations. This suffering, however, was not a sign of weakness or defeat. It was the ultimate expression of God’s love and the means through which redemption was achieved. In His crucifixion, the most intense moment of suffering was also the pivotal point of victory. Here, Jesus’ role as the suffering servant finds its most potent expression, fulfilling the prophecies and providing a clear picture of the cost of our redemption. This act was a moment of suffering and the apex of God’s redemptive plan, showcasing His power to bring victory and salvation out of suffering. 

The suffering of Christ becomes a lens through which we can view our trials, understanding them not as mere hardships but as integral parts of God’s greater plan for our lives, shaping us to be more like Christ. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, allowing us to see it as a means of growing closer to God and participating in the life of Christ.

Suffering Produces Perseverance, Character, and Hope (Romans 5:3-5)

In Romans 5:3-5, Paul presents a counterintuitive insight into the role of suffering in the Christian life. The passage conveys that rather than indicating God’s absence or displeasure, suffering is a divinely appointed instrument for spiritual development and maturity. It states, “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

This scripture invites believers to view suffering not as a curse to be avoided at all costs but as a catalyst for personal growth. Suffering is said to produce endurance, a quality essential for navigating the trials and tribulations of life. This endurance is more than mere stoicism; it is an active, dynamic quality that enables believers to remain steadfast and faithful under pressure. Endurance leads to proven character. In the crucible of suffering, our true nature is refined and revealed. This character is not static but is continuously tested and strengthened through ongoing trials, leading to a mature and steadfast faith.

Most importantly, this process culminates in hope. This hope, however, is distinctly Christian. It is not wishful thinking based on uncertain outcomes but a confident expectation fixed on the unchanging nature of God’s love. This hope does not disappoint because it is anchored in the reality of God’s love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a continual reminder and guarantee of God’s love and faithfulness, assuring us that our suffering is not in vain but is part of a larger, divine narrative of redemption and growth. Suffering is not an obstacle to be feared but an opportunity to grow in perseverance, character, and hope. It is an integral part of the journey toward spiritual maturity, drawing us closer to the heart of God and shaping us into the image of Christ.

In biblical counseling, these insights are crucial. They offer a perspective on suffering that transcends the worldly view. Suffering is not to be sought, but it’s worthwhile when it comes. It has a purpose in God’s grand narrative in Christ’s and His followers’ lives. It shapes us to be more like Christ, fostering resilience and deepening our dependence on God. In counseling, it’s essential to help individuals see their sufferings in this light, encouraging them to lean into God’s strength and promises to find hope and peace amid trials. This perspective helps believers honor God through their struggles, understanding that their sufferings are part of a larger redemptive story.