February 14

God's Partnership In Our Affliction

All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” — Isa 43:9 BSB

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." There is the affliction of ill-health, which forces us to leave our tasks for others. The weariness of sleepless nights, the inactivity and loneliness of long days, and the fear of burdening others—all these make suffering harder to bear. There is the anxiety of watching things fall apart in the hands of the inexperienced. The feeling of helplessness and weakness can weigh heavily upon us.

There is also the affliction of poverty, when every door seems closed, and many others are competing for the same opportunities. When there is nothing left in the house, and the rent is overdue, when the children’s clothes and faces begin to show signs of privation, then the soul is truly tested.

Some suffer the affliction of uncongenial companionship. The psalmist’s words resonate: “Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!” For some, this describes their daily life—a constant tension with those who seek conflict rather than peace. There is even deeper suffering when a person is bound in marriage to someone who does not share their faith, or is the only believer in a family of unbelievers.

There is also the affliction of temptation. Jealousy, pride, discontent, and self-will all assail us from the outside, often finding an ally within our own hearts.

These are just some of the trials that darken our path. Our mistake is facing them without the conscious realization of God’s presence. We carry our burdens without casting them upon the Lord, without claiming the grace that is ready to help us in our time of need. We forget that He has come down to deliver us because He knows our sorrows. In all our afflictions, He is afflicted.

Prayer

O God, we have no help but Yours, nor do we need any other support but Your arm. Teach us how to draw strength from You hour by hour, in a glance, a sigh, a brief prayer. May we receive from You the strength You have stored for us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.