Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivered him out of them all.” Psalms 34:19

The subject of the affliction of the righteous is something we do not hear about. I can remember how it was thought that a Christian would have an easy life. That they would not have to suffer pain and distress, but this is not true. If Moses, Job, David and even the apostle Paul had suffered afflictions, then you can be sure that no one is exempt from experiencing afflictions. Many people question what is the reason or purpose for our afflictions? The good news is that God will deliver the righteous out of all afflictions as stated in Psalms chapter 34, verse 19.

Afflictions can come in many forms such as physical pain, mental anguish, distressed by an oppressor, and natural calamities. Afflictions is the condition of being inflicted either by physical or mental pain. Today, people go through all kinds of distress or pain that is caused by incidents from unknown sources, other people, and natural disasters. We may wonder about the purpose for our afflictions. Depending upon your walk with God, afflictions can be the discipline brought on by God. This discipline will help in correcting, molding, or perfecting our character to the image of Christ. Those who are proud in their righteousness need to take heed on how they act out that righteousness. One thing about going through afflictions is that someone is always pointing a finger at you. We must remember about God’s sovereignty, and He has complete power and authority over those who believe in Him.

Being arrogant about what you have as a Christian is not a good Christian character. Our example is in Christ alone; thus, we have another meaning for our afflictions and that is to lower our position and humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. We need to realize that our afflictions can built up our faith along with correcting our attitude. A man’s fortune or misfortune is not always proof of his moral character. Rather, it is the conviction in his heart and his confession of faith that hold him steady in his devotion to God despite going through afflictions. Thus, Job received a double portion back from the Lord when he prayed for his friends who accused him.

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also, the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

Our afflictions should not focus entirely on what has happened to us as an individual, but also on those around us for they do not understand God’s desire and will for our own life. Afflictions can either bring the best or the worst out of us in how we react to them based upon our own limitations in what we believe. We need to mature and grow into the image of Christ. We are disciplined by God to receive revelations of our own character along with the character of others. The one main thing we must do during our afflictions is to pray. That is what the Lord told Job and it is also what James said in chapter five, verse 13, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”

We have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with our sufferings and therefore we can draw near to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace when we need it, [see Hebrews 4:15-16]. Whether it is the rod of correction or the refining of our own character, our God is ever present in every situation we find ourselves in.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

Whatever pain or discomfort you are experiencing, remember that it is only temporary. Let us have patience to endure. In Job chapter 5, verse, 17 states that “happy is the man whom God corrected: therefore, despise not the chastening of the Almighty.” We are being changed into His image and this is to the glory of God. Just look at what the apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians chapter six.

“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, ⁷By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.

2 Corinthians 6:4-6

Remember that you are not alone when going through afflictions. Pray to God about it and ask for help, and then pray for your friends. God will provide a way out of your afflictions.