God and the Suffering of His People

Abstract

The problem of suffering is a multifaceted one. It has moral, physical, philosophical, psychological and theological dimensions. Suffering is said to be a moral problem because some belief that it occurs as a result of sin against God and the spirits. Physically, we experience unpleasant things as human beings, thus we suffer. Philosophically the problem of suffering gives a rational explanation to the existence of God and suffering in the world. Psychologically it deals with how to comfort those who suffer hurt which might make them to develop a dislike for God. Theologically it has to do with the question believers in God ask when they go through suffering. In this paper the author posits, from a theological perspective that, God does not take delight in the sufferings of his people; he wrestles with the shortcomings/sufferings of his people, an activity of him we cannot fully understand. God teaches us valuable lessons through suffering. We may experience suffering to: make us humble, grow stronger, and equip us to comfort others in their suffering. God always knows what is best and he never makes a mistake. Thus when believers suffer, they must stand firm and depend on God.