For some of us on the journey of faith, worshipping God is often associated with joy and celebration. However, what about worshipping in pain and suffering? Can praise and worship find a place in the midst of trials and tribulations? I wrote a book titled ‘Worshipping in Pain’ to address these questions. This article highlights a few of my thoughts which are expounded on in the book.

The Problem of Pain and Suffering

For many, the problem of pain and suffering is a stumbling block in their faith journey. They question how a loving and all-powerful God could allow such hardships. The age-old question of why bad things happen to good people is asked over and over. Yet, the Christian perspective on suffering is comforting. It recognizes that pain is a part of the human experience, and it serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation if faced with a certain attitude – a heart of worship.

Suffering in the Bible

The Bible doesn't shy away from addressing the reality of pain and suffering in the world. The biblical view of suffering acknowledges human suffering as an integral part of the human experience, tracing it back to the Fall. From the trials faced by Job to the persecution endured by early Christians, the scriptures are replete with accounts of individuals navigating the depths of pain and adversity. Jesus Himself made it clear that in this world there will be tribulations (John 16:33).

While suffering may seem senseless and unbearable, the scriptures present a perspective that points to a redemptive purpose behind human pain. Romans 8:28 asserts, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse reminds us that even in our most trying moments, God is working behind the scenes, weaving a tapestry of purpose and redemption.

Books About Pain and Suffering

There are several books about pain and suffering as a Christian, and I’d like to recommend a few. C.S. Lewis's ‘The Problem of Pain’ offers profound insights into the theological complexities surrounding suffering, while Philip Yancey's ‘Where Is God When It Hurts?’ provides a compassionate exploration of the realities of pain. Timothy Keller’s ‘Walking with God through Pain and Suffering’ is theologically rich and philosophically informed, yet accessible and filled with practical wisdom. These works serve as valuable resources for those seeking to understand the intersection of faith and suffering.

Giving Thanks and Praising God in Challenging Times

One of the most challenging passages on our attitude to life is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where we are encouraged to "give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This verse reveals a powerful truth: even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is an invitation to give thanks to God. In the midst of pain and suffering, the act of giving thanks and praising God takes on a new level of significance. Thanking, praising, and worshipping in pain becomes an act of trust, a declaration of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire. This act of worship not only draws us closer to God but also invites His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives.

The True Worshipper

What does it mean to be a true worshipper? Jesus, in his discourse with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-24), emphasized the importance of worshipping "in spirit and in truth". This speaks to a worship that transcends external circumstances and emanates from the depth of one's soul. The true worshipper will worship God in spirit and in truth and has a heart that remains steadfast in praise and thanksgiving, regardless of circumstances.

My Book: Worshipping in Pain

I wrote a book that looks at both Christian suffering and the heart of worship. Worshipping in pain is a profound expression of faith that transcends the boundaries of circumstance. It is a declaration that our trust in God goes beyond moments of ease and comfort, reaching into the depths of suffering. This book tries to help the reader understand suffering as a Christian. I examine scriptures on suffering, and explore how we are to relate with God – how we can still offer Him true worship, praise and thanksgiving – when we’re in pain.

I also go beyond the theory of giving thanks, praising, and worshipping in pain to share some of my own experiences and those of friends of mine. 

My hope is that you will get the book and discover a faith that stands unshaken amidst the storms of life.

EFOSAVAL:
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Air stay is one of the interfacing used while sewing.its classed under the category of fusible interfacing.this means you have to apply heat on it to make it stick to the fabric.there are others fusible interfacing. will give more details later.

Please, where can one find fusible interfacing in Lagos, preferably mainland?

I’m pretty sure I speak for a lot of folks when I say one thing I want to experience more of is rest. Not necessarily physical rest, though that is good, but rest for my heart and mind. The rate at which people are just collapsing and dying shows that rest has become an elusive element in our lives; we are constantly stressed.

There are several scriptures that talk about rest but I want to focus on one in which Jesus basically gave a prescription for how to find rest –

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(Matthew 11:29)

What is a yoke?

A yoke is a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together. In order to increase the efficiency of the animals as they pull some farm machinery for tilling the ground or some other task, two animals are used instead of one and they are joined together at the neck with the wooden yoke. As a result, the two animals have to go in the same direction and the burden is shared between them.

What are the implications of taking on Jesus’ yoke?

1. We go in the same direction:

On the farm, the yoked oxen are directed by an ‘ox driver’ because the animals need to be led by a human being who knows what the oxen are to accomplish on the farm. With us and Jesus, though, no external driver is needed. Because Jesus is the lord, and he is supremely superior in knowledge and wisdom, He is the driver. In whichever direction He moves, we follow. If we follow Him, we can accomplish great things with Him. If we resist His leading, we will accomplish nothing for the kingdom of God.

This brings to mind what Jesus said about our dependence on Him for fruitfulness –

“Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.”
(John 15:4-5 ERV)

2. We share each other’s burdens:

God has never shied away from carrying our burdens. In fact, we are invited to give them to Him –

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
(1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

For some of us who are too independent, it takes us getting to the end of ourselves to cast our cares to God. Others of us, however, are quick to run to God with their burdens. In either case, we are able to do so because we know Jesus is willing to be yoked with us – willing to share our burdens. I think, however, most of us struggle with accepting to share His burden (which is primarily concerned with His kingdom and His body, the Church) and, as a result, refuse to take on His yoke.

For some reason, we find it hard to believe that His burden is really light and His yoke is really easy. To my understanding, what makes for the lightness and ease is the reality that it’s He who does the majority of the work at the end of the day. Our role is simply to agree to follow His lead – to submit to His will as Lord.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
(Philippians 2:13 NLT)

What are the benefits of being yoked to Christ?

1. We learn from Him
2. We find rest for our souls

In conclusion, if we want to [urlhttps://gloryyah.com/finding-rest/]find rest[/url] for our souls, let’s take on Jesus’ yoke; learn from Him; give Him our burdens, and take on His.

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