t’s still happening and seems to be getting worse: the overflow of COVID into communities in Australia. It also seems to be getting closer to home with recent accounts of COVID being brought into SA. And then of course we hear that as we approach larger proportions of vaccinated people that borders will be opened – albeit with control measures. I can’t help but feel a little apprehensive.
What could we do about that? Should we complain to God – even complain bitterly? Well of course we could and maybe we do. That’s totally OK. Consider Job. In the reading from Job today we have this verse: “Today I complain bitterly, because God has been cruel and made me suffer.” (Job 23:2)
We know finally that God’s mercy overflowed on Job and all he lost was replaced many times over. God’s mercy is more than the greatest suffering that anyone can experience. His mercy flowed out of suffering: the suffering of His dear Son as He died in our place. It overflowed out of his own suffering and grief as he watched his Son die for us. His mercy is more than all the suffering of all the world! For that we can give thanks to the Lord.
Knowing the extent of His mercy, whenever we are suffering, and for whatever reason, we can go to him with confidence. Even if we do complain to him, remember his mercy, and move from complaint to praise. We are trusting that the Lord hears our complaint, knows our needs, and will continue to work for good for all those who love him.
In the middle of Psalm 22, a psalm that is mostly complaint against the Lord, the Psalmist goes back to praise: “You, Lord, brought me safely through birth, and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother’s breast. From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.” (Psalm 22:9,10) “So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16
Now that’s the gist of this week’s teaching time – with a bonus section on a Pastoral Approach to Caring for those who are suffering – either you or someone you know.
