The Transitory Nature of Human Suffering

By: Edward Cortez

 

Life on earth is but a speck of time in the light of eternity. Our pain and suffering are but a passing moment that teach us to endure and turn to someone bigger than ourselves. If anything, this current pandemic shows us that we are hardly in control. Life can take a drastic turn at any moment. Jesus warned us in advance, “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33).

Life is a series of pain, disappointments, and frustrations one after the other. But in between our lowest valleys are also peaks marked by rejoicing and celebration such as promotion at work, a thrilling, long-awaited good report from a doctor, the birth of a child, the union of two lovers in marriage, or the excitement of grandparents over their grandchildren. Life is hard; but life is also good.

Psalm 30 reveals David’s understanding of the transitory nature of human suffering. He reflects, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” In this Psalm, David enumerates his own personal battles and how he’s been thrilled by answered prayers. He extols God for His protection from his enemies, rejoices in his physical healing, exults in God for saving him from certain death, and praises God “for His anger only last for a moment but His favor is for life.” He stays positive and focuses on the brighter side of life.

Each of us has a story to tell and we bear the scars of life. Many others have run through the full gamut of human suffering so unbearable that they are never the same again. The Holocaust survivors. Those who have seen and experienced the atrocities of wars. Victims of deadly natural disasters. Those who suffered or have lost loved ones to COVID. Our painful experiences tug at the heart yet the perseverance of the human spirit when tested beyond limits would often leave us breathless in silent wonder and with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God who enabled us to endure.

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,” declares David. Take heart. Our suffering is but transitory; this too shall pass. For even in death the body takes a respite and the redeemed spirit goes back to its Maker in glorious heavenly rhapsody. Trust the One who is all too familiar with human suffering – Christ Himself who suffered and bore our sins at the cross. He assures us:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Coupled with the warning that in this life we will have trouble, Jesus also assured us that yes, we can overcome when we have Him in our lives:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).