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Familiar with our Sorrows: The Dirge and Dance of Suffering by Art Hobba

by | May 2, 2024 | Uncategorized

Isaiah’s prophecy beholds Jesus on the cross, declaring, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isa. 53:4)

I heard God say, “Son, what if this is as good as it gets…will you still love me?“

Jordan Peterson said it well: “Life is suffering.” Yet too often the Western false “god of comfort” mandates that we live a life without sorrow, worry, or pain.  By suffering through many of the dimensions of life–as Jesus did–we can also discover the greatest triumphs and joys in our lives:

In addition to being “known by our fruit“, walking in grace while suffering is an authentic mark of the active presence of God’s Kingdom working in and around you.

My “Gethsemene moment” came a few years ago when I suffered a neck injury at the hands of a Chiropractor. The piercing pain was immediate, followed by 95 days wracked with 2-3 disabling daily migraines. Unable to work, I tried to find medical relief, but found no solution. In one pitiful moment, I turned my heart towards Heaven and prayed for rescue. I heard God say, “Son, what if this is as good as it gets…will you still love me?” Out of options, I surrendered to God—accepting that this was my new normal. It was all that He wanted–my surrender to his will. I still suffer these migraines–though less often–and I began to heal that day.

I Peter 4:12-13 teaches us:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Check out this list and see if any ring true for you:

  • Suffering internal doubts and intangible depression;

  • Suffering social and familial rejection and their ongoing judgment;

  • Suffering ongoing lack of empathy and misunderstanding from your family members or peers;

  • Suffering that conditioned voice of the inner critic that says,

                                       “You can never be, nor are you now, worthy of Abba’s love”

  • Suffering the accusing words of the Devil in his many demonic assignments, voices, and expressions;

  •  Suffering from a physical, permanent, debilitating injury;

  • Suffering the slow and ever-creeping death of old age.

  • Heartbreaking sorrow for the things that break God’s heart–every day–and things that don’t seem to be getting better—but worse​.

  • The daily discipline of denying your flesh, carrying YOUR Cross–rejecting fears, and silencing your ego;

  • Fighting off the lying lures of worldly pleasures and deceptive self-validating thoughts. Attitudes, and entitlements;

  • Suffering through Chronic, draining, discouraging circumstances

  • Suffering through a recurring rejection from memories of being cursed, judged, betrayed, and hated by your son

  • Suffering the anticipation of suffering from the built-in attrition of weakening and enfeebling of body functions that portend the adventure of Death.

Each moment, Jesus–our High Priest and constant Advocate–is seated next to our Father in Heaven. He has chosen to remain in his earthly body so that he can make continuous, empathetic intercession for you and me before our Father. Here he defends you from the Accuser (one of the names of Satan), comforts (by miracles of Holy Spirit on the inside and the outside); speaking into our spirit, heart, and mind in whispers, roars, consequences, and through the Scriptures. Our role is that of seeker–and being unbusy enough to receive his presence amplifies his mercy to you and expands our love for him and others;

Fiercely and silently, He bears our griefs and burdens. He fights battles WITH us–sometimes FOR us–when we cannot lift our hands. He is our ever-hovering, always present Husband–AND each of us is His Beloved!

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, Be encouraged in yourt suffering, for it is designed to bring restoriation, affirmation, and more emotional and physical strength so that your walk with Jesus is stabilized and established forever: Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              –I Peter 5:7-10

Feel like God is far away? Let your loneliness and suffering draw you close. It’s only because we’ve drifted, been distracted, fearful, or sinned. He has not moved.

Wanna be close to Him? Then make yourself an appointment to go to a quiet place and SEEK him, for he will always be found by any who hunger for him. His Joy will be ours–and his joy is our strength!

Art Hobba is the Founder and President of Core 300 International, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. To date, 47,000 men have graduated from his transformative men’s leadership curriculum on 4 continents.  If you were encouraged by this article, please show your thanks by donating to Core 300.

You can reach Art at art.hobba@core300.org

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