Dependence on the Lord Alone in Times of Suffering
Dependence on the Lord in Times of Suffering
The concept of dependence on the Lord alone in times of suffering is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize trust in God's sovereignty and providence. In Deuteronomy, Moses laments his inability to bear the burden of the Israelites alone, highlighting the need for divine assistance [1]. This theme is echoed in Psalms, where the psalmist cries out to God, "Turn to me and have mercy on me because I am lonely and afflicted" [2].
The biblical narrative portrays suffering as an inevitable aspect of the human experience, with even the righteous facing hardships. The book of Job, for instance, grapples with the question of why the righteous suffer. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the answer lies in the fact that God's ways are not always understandable to humans, and that suffering can serve as a refining fire for the faithful [5].
In the New Testament, the apostle Peter exhorts believers to endure suffering with patience, citing Christ's example [6]. The Tyndale House commentary on 1 Peter 4:12 notes that Christians should not be surprised by trials, as they are a natural consequence of living a godly life. This sentiment is echoed in the writings of John Chrysostom, who emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity [7].
The biblical emphasis on dependence on God is closely tied to the recognition of His sovereignty. Deuteronomy 32:39 declares, "See ye that I alone am, and there is no other God besides me: I will kill and I will make to live: I will strike, and I will heal, and there is none that can deliver out of my hand" [3]. This assertion of God's sole authority underscores the futility of relying on human strength or resources in times of suffering.
In times of affliction, believers are encouraged to wait upon God, trusting in His goodness and providence. Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 62:1 notes that David's "soul waiteth upon God" signifies a quiet confidence in God's deliverance, despite the difficulties he faced [10]. Similarly, the psalmist in Psalms 31:14-18 expresses hope in God's justice, entrusting himself to the Lord's care [9].
The biblical concept of dependence on God is not limited to times of crisis but is a fundamental aspect of the believer's relationship with God. As Torrey's Topical Textbook notes, suffering is a reality that Christians may face, but it is not a sign of God's absence or abandonment [4]. Rather, it can be an opportunity to deepen one's trust in God and to experience His comfort and strength.
In the face of suffering, believers are called to bless those who persecute them, rather than seeking revenge or relying on human strength. The Tyndale House commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12 highlights Paul's example of working hard and blessing those who cursed him, demonstrating a Christ-like response to adversity [8].
Sources
- Deuteronomy “Deuteronomy 1:12 (Webster) — How can I alone bear your encumbrance, and your burden, and your strife?”
- Psalms “Psalms 25:16 (LEB) — Turn to me and have mercy on me because I am lonely and afflicted.”
- Deuteronomy “Deuteronomy 32:39 (DRC) — See ye that I alone am, and there is no other God besides me: I will kill and I will make to live: I will strike, and I will heal, and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 21:7: The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22. old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 13:17 13:23 James 1:6 2:13 2:19 2:26 3:11 4:3 1 Peter 1:3 1:12 2:13 2:21 2:21 2:22 2:22 2:22 5:5 5:8 5:8 5:8 2 Peter 2:4 3:13 1 John 2:9 3:2 3:8 4:8 Revelation 1 1:4 1:9 1:11 1:16 1:20 2 3 3:12 14:1 14:4 14:13 15:6 20:9 22:16 Tobit 12:9 Wisdom of Solomon 1:4 1:14 11:23 11:24 14:16 Sirach 2:2 2:2 2:4 2:10 2:11 2:27 3:10-12 3:11 5:6 6:14 6:16 6:34 7:6 7:31 9:13 9:15 10:9 10:12-13 11:1 11:2 11:3 11:3 11:4 11:15 11:28 12:13 13:15 14:9 15:9 16:3 18:13 18:13 19:14-15 20:20 21:2 22:21-22 23:17 23:17 25:1 25:1 25:11 26:27 28:6 31:1 32:10”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 4:12: 4:12 We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18; Acts 18:3; 20:33-35). • We bless those who curse us: Paul’s response was in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matt 5:44-45; cp. Rom 12:14, 17-21).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 31:14: 31:14-18 Hope does not confide in frail and changeable human beings but only in the Lord. The sufferer entrusts himself to God while waiting for the Lord’s justice.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 62:1: In these verses we have, I. David's profession of dependence upon God, and upon him only, for all good (Psa 62:1): Truly my soul waiteth upon God. Nevertheless (so some) or "However it be, whatever difficulties or dangers I may meet with, though God frown upon me and I meet with discouragements in my attendance on him, yet still my soul waits upon God" (or is silent to God, as the word is), "Says nothing against what he does, but quietly expects what he will do." We are in the way both of duty and comfort when our souls wait upon God, when we cheerfully refer ours”