Choose one word to describe how you feel in the midst of suffering. A great ice breaker for our new orientees at hospice, brings interesting answers. “Hopeless.” “Isolated.” and at times, “Unjust”. But one answer pinpointed my own feelings: “Trapped”. Exploring this particular emotional response took me to an unusual destination. Join me as I share how God transformed my feelings of being trapped in suffering to rejoicing in the freedom in suffering.
Welcome to Mindfulness Monday! Where we learn some easy ways to be more present “in the moment” at our jobs, in our homes, with our families and friends.
Learning to recognize God and what He has for us in each divine moment He offers. We acknowledge the belief that God is with us always.
We confess His presence is available to us, lifting our spirit and helping us with power and grace. Learning the art of “stillness” so we can hear His voice and view ourselves, others and our surroundings through His eyes.
trapped in suffering
The word “trapped” resonated with no few people for the simple reason; no one chooses suffering. Yet indirectly poor health choices, financial decisions and relationship choices fuel much of our suffering.
Resting primarily on something outside our control, foisted upon us, suffering takes on a perspective of punishment or injustice.
From this point of view, suffering becomes more of a jail sentence to endure or escape; contributing to more sinister emotions of bitterness, resentment, and anger. The only connection between freedom and suffering comes in seeking freedom from suffering, certainly not freedom in suffering.
But what if suffering’s deeper message offered an invitation to a freedom only found through suffering’s hard path?
freedom in suffering
God gifted us with an unshakable freedom at salvation which freed us from the bondage of sin. But our sanctification continues securing a deeper freedom from our “old man” and way of living. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Often accomplished through suffering, the continued quickening of our spiritual man requires the death of our fleshly nature. (Romans 8:9-14) Unpleasant and painful, suffering’s transformational work also provides the key to freedom from the bondage of fleshly works and attitudes.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
mindfully exploring suffering
Whether self-inflicted or permissible by God, suffering accomplishes God’s good purposes in our lives. (Romans 8:28-29) Seasons of suffering reveal the transformational power of the Cross, bringing new life from death.
Use the following exercises to explore your sufferings past and present, allowing God to reveal His gift of deeper freedom in suffering.
Freedom in Past Suffering
Though loathe to return to past suffering once we come out on the other side, a calm, curious reflection provides strength for present and future suffering. While also revealing new freedom as a result.
Find a quiet place free of distractions and begin a meditation of Romans 8:28-29, as you shift your perspective on suffering to God’s perspective. Breathing deeply and slowly, briefly rest with Isaiah 54:10.
Recall a specific season of suffering, working through the following by journaling, bullet journaling, or simply noticing the results in your mind.
- What specific attitudes and behaviors were present at the start of the season of suffering? Some I found most often were: resentment, self-reliance, pride, self-focus, insensitivity to others. But they may include anxiety, fear, worry or anger.
- What specific attitudes and behaviors were present afterwards? Notice new attitudes of trust, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and deeper dependence on God as well as any diminishing of negative attitudes.
- Celebrate freedom from negative attitudes, sin, and behaviors which resulted from the season of suffering through composing a prayer of praise and gratitude to God.
Freedom in Present Suffering
Employ the same preparation practice as above. While a complete view of the freedom in suffering which God will accomplish in this present season of suffering remains hidden, you can find much encouragement in noticing slight shifts.
In the current season of suffering, work through the following by journaling, bullet journaling, or simply noticing the results in your mind.
- What specific attitudes or behaviors were present at the start of this season of suffering? Pay close attention to areas where the Fruit of the Spirit seems lacking.
- What specific attitudes or behaviors have changed? Considering your answers to the previous question, which areas show the most change?
- What specific Fruit of the Spirit seems most evident right now?
- Celebrate even small improvements, releases, and freedom from negative attitudes and behaviors by composing a prayer of praise and gratitude to God.
suffering’s story
Bravely gazing into suffering’s story in my own life, exposed a truth long overlooked. Instead of a purposeless prison, suffering provided a gateway to deeper freedom. Where once I sat bound by resentment and unforgiveness, I freely embraced the joy of compassionate mercy towards those who hurt me.
Suffering took me the way of the Cross, purging self-focused sinful habits; exchanging them for Christ focused surrender and service.
Where self-reliance fed pride and arrogance, suffering humbled me at the feet of Jesus, where His gentleness drew me into deeper intimacy and trust in His sovereign plan for my life. Teaching me rest, as I learned the peace in trusting His Way.
Suffering reduces life to a struggle for control, but viewing suffering through the Cross reveals life’s hard paths offer a choice. I can choose to respond to adversity consistent with my identity in Christ.
Choosing life aligned with my calling to love and live as Jesus: allowing my life to speak the Gospel.
suffering: God’s severe mercy
Viewing suffering through the Cross unites us in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering under God the Father’s severe mercy. Suffering undergoes a transformation as the power of the Cross declares new life through death, forgiveness, and redemption of all which lays broken before us.
Breathing true freedom into our souls as we realize God not only redeems the broken, He makes all things new.
Releasing us to embrace all of life; the joys, love, and beauty, along with the struggles and suffering. Gifting us with a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ, our calling to a ministry of reconciliation, and a deeper compassion for a hurting and broken world.
Donna, who was it that said “God never wastes a hurt?” Remembering that He works ALL things for the good of those who loves Him has been such a comfort and encouragement when I’ve gone through hard seasons. I’m guessing most people would not put freedom and suffering in the same sentence, but you’re right … through the lens of God’s sovereignty, they do go together. ❤️
Lois, I’m not sure who said, “God never wastes a hurt”, but I know from experience God redeems everything for our good and His glory. Perhaps that truth alone provides freedom within suffering. Thank you for reading and pondering the freedom in suffering with me!
You breathed hope into my day, Donna. Thank you.
Blessings,
Tammy
All praise be to our gracious heavenly Father, Tammy! Thank you for reading.
Donna, you bring up so many good points and questions to ask amidst and after suffering. I so appreciate your perspective and the encouragement you offer in this post.
Jeanne, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I praise God for giving me insights to share with others, and my own curious mind which never stops searching for meaning!
Devastating is the word for me. This >”Seasons of suffering reveal the transformational power of the Cross, bringing new life from death.” Is so true. As it did for me. Is it still hard? Sure is. But when I rely on God it becomes easier. Then I begin to understand. Thank you for these helpful exercises. They were a big help my friend.
Let’s Have Coffee #8
Paula, “devastating” is another good word for suffering-it often leaves very little in its wake, by worldy standards anyway. You are so right, understanding suffering doesn’t make it any easier. It’s still hard and I still chafe. But yes, praise God he is with us in it and leads us out. I praise God you found the exercises helpful!
This >> “Where self-reliance fed pride and arrogance, suffering humbled me at the feet of Jesus, where His gentleness drew me into deeper intimacy and trust in His sovereign plan for my life.” It’s amazing to look back on those seasons and see the results the Lord brought forth in my life. It brings hope, peace, and strength for the seasons yet to come. Thank you, Donna, for this encouraging post!
Joanne, I have to admit when going through the hard paths, I seldom see the benefit, but upon reflection, the Holy Spirit kindly opens my eyes to the wonder accomplished there!
This is a beautiful testimony, Donna, “Suffering took me the way of the Cross, purging self-focused sinful habits, exchanging them for Christ focused surrender and service.” As I reflect on entering this season of suffering, I started prostrate on my knees for there truly was nowhere else to go. As the season continues, I find myself walking hand-in-hand with Jesus, and marveling at His graciousness, and how He turns ashes into beauty. Sometimes, we have to look past the ash covered ground to the one flower that continues to survive and give Him glory despite its surroundings.
Lisa, I am so sorry for your current season of suffering. I know that feeling of falling to my knees because I could see no way forward. And I also rejoice with you at the gentle hand of the Savior lifting you, and leading you through the very place you did not want to go! Oh how I praise him for the ashes, for it is there we truly see his beauty.
Trapped is an interesting view, friend. It’s amazing that the English language can usually give us a handle on where we are. And then we have those seasons where there are no words to be found. And that sometimes calms and comforts best of all.
Yes trapped is an interesting view on suffering, Linda. It resonated with me for a very long time. And even more interesting, once I understand where I was, I then found it easier to move forward to where God was leading!
“Where self-reliance fed pride and arrogance, suffering humbled me at the feet of Jesus, where His gentleness drew me into deeper intimacy and trust in His sovereign plan for my life.” When we turn to ourselves, suffering increases! He is the Way to release and rest, and He knows best! Lovely post.
Lynn, it is so true, turned inward I became resentful and bitter, intensifying my suffering. But even then God’s gentle hand lifted me and showed me a better way forward.
Donna, thank you for your post. There is so much encouragement and needed God truths to understand freedom in suffering. Such beauty that can come from suffering.
Thank you, Deborah, I praise God for His continued lessons on suffering. His redemption power truly brings beauty from our suffering!
These words, “Choosing life aligned with my calling to love and live as Jesus: allowing my life to speak the Gospel.” are such an encouragement to me. God has been teaching me through His Word and different sermons and books about aligning my life with Jesus in order that my life might speak the Gospel. This post was another encouragement and reminder. Thank you so much, my dear friend.
Thank you, my sweet friend for your kind comment! This was a hard post to write, but so healing at the same time. Sometimes I know ahead of time what I will write, but these words came as I sifted through my own suffering. I praise God for His faithful work which teaches us so much!