Finding Good in Dark Times of Affliction and Suffering
The experience of affliction and suffering is a pervasive theme throughout biblical literature, often prompting questions about the presence of good in such dark times. The book of Job, for instance, starkly articulates this human dilemma: "When I looked for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, there came darkness" [1]. This sentiment reflects a common human experience where expected blessings are replaced by hardship.
Despite this, Christian theology consistently identifies avenues through which good can emerge from or be found within suffering. One significant perspective is that suffering can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:10, expresses a paradoxical joy in his weaknesses and afflictions, stating, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong" [2, 3]. This passage suggests that moments of human weakness can become opportunities for divine strength to be manifested.
The Old Testament also grapples with the problem of suffering, particularly in the Psalms and the book of Job. Psalm 107:10 describes those "bound in affliction and iron," sitting "in darkness and in the shadow of death" [4]. Matthew Henry interprets this as a description of prisoners in "dark dungeons, close prisons," signifying desolation, disconsolation, and danger, often "appointed to die" [10]. Yet, even in such dire circumstances, the Psalms frequently pivot to themes of God's deliverance and faithfulness. John Gill, commenting on Psalm 112:4, notes that "unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness," suggesting that even when God's people are in "the darkness of affliction" or "under divine desertions," light can suddenly appear, bringing deliverance, prosperity, and the comfort of God's presence [13]. This light can manifest as relief from affliction, renewed spiritual joy, or a deeper understanding of God's care [13].
The question of why the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper is addressed in various biblical texts. Job's friends, for example, asserted that sinners are "cut off" early, implying that suffering is a direct consequence of sin [5]. However, the biblical narrative often complicates this simplistic view. Proverbs 1:31 indicates that "evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions," and God ensures that "sinners receive their proper punishment" [9]. Yet, this does not mean all suffering is punitive. The Tyndale House commentary on 1 Peter 4:12-19 advises Christians not to be surprised by trials, as those who live godly lives can "expect to face the hostility of a sinful world" [6]. This suffering, therefore, is not necessarily a sign of divine displeasure but an expected part of the Christian life, echoing Jesus's words in John 16:33 and Paul's in Romans 8:17 and Philippians 1:29 [6].
Suffering can also refine faith and produce endurance. The trials faced by believers are often presented as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and for individuals to grow in their trust in Him. John Gill, in his commentary on Job 33:26, suggests that affliction can bring a person to prayer, especially those who might have neglected it during times of health and prosperity [11]. This act of turning to God in distress is seen as a "mercy and privilege" [11].
Furthermore, suffering can foster empathy and solidarity among believers. The shared experience of hardship can draw individuals closer to one another and to Christ, who himself suffered. The instruction to "bless those who curse us" (1 Corinthians 4:12) and to respond to hostility with blessing, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:44-45, highlights a transformative aspect of suffering [8]. This response is not merely passive endurance but an active, Christ-like engagement with adversity.
The concept of God's wrath is also relevant to understanding suffering. Romans 1:18-3:20 explains that "God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin" [7]. This wrath is depicted in the Old Testament and is predicted to be a decisive outpouring on human sin at the end of history [7]. However, this divine anger is distinct from the suffering experienced by believers for Christ's sake, which is often presented as a means of sanctification rather than condemnation.
In the midst of suffering, the presence of God is often emphasized. Ezekiel 34:11 uses the metaphor of a shepherd seeking out his scattered flock in a "cloudy and dark day" to illustrate God's commitment to His people during times of dispersion and affliction [12]. This imagery suggests that even when circumstances are bleak, God actively seeks and delivers His own [12].
Sources
- Job “When I looked for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, there came darkness. -- Job 30:26”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 12:10 — Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 12:10 (KJV) — Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
- Psalms “Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron, -- Psalms 107:10”
- 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).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- 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).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 1:31: 1:31 Evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions (see 1:15-19); God will ensure that sinners receive their proper punishment (see Matt 25:44-46; Heb 10:29; 2 Pet 2:9).”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 107:10: We are to take notice of the goodness of God towards prisoners and captives. Observe, 1. A description of this affliction. Prisoners are said to sit in darkness (Psa 107:10), in dark dungeons, close prisons, which intimates that they are desolate and disconsolate; they sit in the shadow of death, which intimates not only great distress and trouble, but great danger. Prisoners are many times appointed to die; they sit despairing to get out, but resolving to make the best of it. They are bound in affliction, and many times in iron, as Joseph. Thus sore a calamity ”
- Job (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Job 33:26: He shall pray unto God,.... As the former verse expresses the condition of the body of the man recovered from sickness, this the frame of his soul, and the spiritual blessings enjoyed by him: some understand this of his praying in the time of his affliction, and consider it as one means of his recovery; and indeed a time of affliction is a time for prayer; and which brings a good man to it, who in health and prosperity has been negligent of it; such an one will make his application to God for deliverance, and not to the creature; and it is his mercy and privilege he has”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 34:11: As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered,.... That is, when they have been scattered, and are got together again; then he goes among them, to see if there are any missing, and in wheat condition they are, and what they want: so will I seek out my sheep, and deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day; such as, in a literal sense, the time of the captivity was, when the Jews were dispersed in the various provinces of Babylon, and other countries; and which was a time of”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 112:4: Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness,.... Upright ones are sometimes in the darkness of affliction, under divine desertions, without spiritual joy, and in an uncomfortable condition; when on a sudden light arises to them, like break of day, or the morning light: they have deliverance from affliction, and enjoy prosperity; the light of God's countenance is lifted up on them; the sun of righteousness arises upon them with healing in his wings; and spiritual joy and comfort are communicated unto them. It may denote the comforts the people of God have ami”