Mining the Meaning

Read: Romans 8:28-39

There is nothing more powerful than a period of great suffering that incites reflection and contemplation. C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains.” In our suffering, we need to lean in, listen closely, and learn what lesson might be gained from what is happening. This can be done through reflection. 

Reflection is engaging in serious thought and consideration. In reflection we mirror our suffering in hopes to see its deeper meaning and its purpose. Reflection, therefore, is mining the meaning of the matter at hand. 

I believe that our Lord Jesus Christ Himself engaged in reflection of what He was going to suffer on the cross. The whole chapter of John 17 could be viewed as His reflection on His entire mission here on earth. In verse 1, He thinks about His nearing death: “Father, the time has come,” (John 17:1). In verse 3, He talks about the purpose of His mission on earth: “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do,” (John 17:3). And in verse 19, He talks about another purpose of His mission: “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be sanctified,” (John 17:19).

We can learn a lot of nuggets of truth from the reflection of our dear Savior. But I just want to highlight one for today’s devotional: Christ utilized prayer as the very medium of His reflection. In other words, as He thought about the very purpose of His suffering on earth, He prayed. 

In our own reflection of our suffering, therefore, let’s do it by way of the word and prayer. In prayer, we inquire of God of the meaning and purpose of our suffering. I believe that when we do this, the first thing God will impress on us is to repent, soul-search, to remain humble, and to pray. And as we pray, we ask God for grace, wisdom, discernment, and courage. This will keep bitterness, disillusionment, and discouragement to define our suffering. 

As we reflect through the Word and prayer, we will surely be able to see that the purpose of our suffering is to glorify God. You see, God is able to deliver us from our suffering, just like He did with His Son. He raised Him from the dead and He exalted Him to the heavens! 

As we reflect using the word and prayer we will also realize that our suffering actually sanctifies us. Like Job, we come forth as gold after we endure. God will never allow us to be tried beyond our ability to endure, and all things will work together for the good of those who love Him. 

Nothing that happens to us happens randomly. Even the ugliest, darkest parts of our lives God can use for His own glory and for our good.

So, in your righteous suffering, mine its purpose and meaning through the word and prayer. Entrust everything to God and He will uphold you. 

Reflect:

In this world filled with distractions, it takes effort and intentionality to sit beside our own thoughts, to read and meditate on the Bible, and to be in solitude with God. 

When was the last time you were truly alone with God? I encourage you to put your phone away and just enjoy the presence of God. Pray, sing a song, open your Bible and read it, or just simply reflect. 

Reflect on your life, on whatever that you’re going through. Maybe you are riding the waves of success, reflect on that, too. Reflect it all back to God. And let’s see what the Holy Spirit will impress on you.