It’s OK, you can speak freely here. We’re all in this together. We’re like one big family, like the Olive Garden.
Just take a moment and ponder the inspirational posters on my wall. Doesn’t that picture of a bald eagle flying through a rainbow send shivers down your spine? Listen to the soothing sound of the smooth jazz in the background (The Best of Kenny G).
Take some deep, cleansing breaths. Out with Mr. Bad Air, in with Mr. Good Air. Good. Now touch your toes. Touch your elbow. Touch your toes with your elbow. You are now doing the Yoga form called “The You Look Ridiculous.” Trust me, I do this with all my clients.
Now answer this question: Do you think God enjoys seeing you suffer?
Come on now, answer honestly!
Yep, that’s what I thought. Me too.
Now get rid of the posters and jazz and Yoga poses. Those never do any good anyway.
I admit, there are times when I believe God enjoys bringing pain into my life.
I know in my head that God works all things for good, and that I am supposed to rejoice always, and that nothing can blady, blady, blah. But deep down, I suspect God somehow enjoys seeing me suffer.
I think of God as a drill sergeant. He makes me suffer because He knows it will ultimately be truly good for me (see Romans 8, etc.). But he also makes me suffer because he enjoys seeing me break down. I imagine that God enjoys breaking me.
But the reality is, God takes NO pleasure in my suffering.
None.
Zero.
Nada.
Lamentations 3:31-33 says:
For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.
