By Ann Weaver.
Long ago at Where Brook and River Meet, we shared something we called “Jewels of Worth” every month. This was a post with several bible verses and a hymn, all relating to the monthly topic. Since we decided to eliminate our monthly themes after our first year, we discontinued our Jewels of Worth.
However, this month for our Bonus Post, I thought it would be fun to bring it back. The theme “suffering” relates to the guest post I wrote for Hannah Grace at The Grace Space, which you can find here.
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it’s perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Though it seems strange to most people to be joyful while your suffering, it makes perfect sense to those who trust in the Lord. When we realize that our suffering is helping us grow, we can be grateful to the One who sent us the suffering.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
This verse is often quoted in articles about suffering, and true every time. This doesn’t mean everything that happens will seem good, but it’s good nevertheless. Like a child who doesn’t understand why eating all his vegetables will work out for his greater good, we are unable to see how the suffering in our life will turn out for good. Still, we can trust the One who does know.
“’These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33)
Here, Jesus reminds us that we will have tribulation. He does not say we might have tribulation, but that we already have it. He also reminds us to remain steadfast, for we have nothing to fear or dread. He has the world in His hands. Why should we be anxious or afraid?
He Giveth More Grace: by Annie Johnson Flint.
In this short hymn, we are reminded that God is with us even through our suffering, and that He will give us more grace, strength, and love as we go through trials and carry difficult burdens.
Sources seem to disagree about what is a verse and what is the chorus, so I just decided to put them all down as verses.
1.
He giveth more grace when
the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
2.
When we have exhausted our
store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
3.
Fear not that thy need
shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
4.
His love has no limits,
His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
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