Benefits of Affliction — Self-Abasement

For after we turned away from you we repented. After we came to our senses we beat our breasts in sorrow. We are ashamed and humiliated because of the disgraceful things we did previously.’

[Jer 31:19 NET]

Dumb at thy feet I lie,

For thou hast brought me low;

Remove thy judgements, lest I die;

I faint beneath thy blow.

The Prophets Examples to the Afflicted

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name.

[Jas 5:10 NET]

And shall not we aspire,

Like them our course to run?

The crown if we would wear,

The cross must first be borne.

Divinely taught, they show’d the way,

First to believe, and then obey.

Christ an Example to the Afflicted

For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps.

[1 Pet 2:21 NET]

Our glorious Leader claims our praise

For his own pattern given,

While the long cloud of witnesses

Show the same path to heaven.

Believer’s Confidence in Trouble

When the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines; when the olive trees do not produce, and the fields yield no crops; when the sheep disappear from the pen, and there are no cattle in the stalls, I will rejoice because of the Lord; I will be happy because of the God who delivers me!

[Hab 3:17-18 NET]

Although my wealth and comfort’s lost,

My blooming hopes cut off I see,

Yet will I in my Saviour trust,

Whose matchless grace can reach to me.

Sources of Sorrow …The Sins of Others

Tears stream down from my eyes, because people do not keep your law.

[Ps 119:136 NET]

I sorrow for the mental night

In which mankind around me lie:

Almighty Father, by thy might,

Arouse them from their lethargy.

Sources of Sorrow …Earthly Losses and Bereavements

He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!”

[Job 1:21 NET]

Oh! blessed be the hand that gave;

Still blessed when it takes:

Blessed be he who smites to save,

Who heals the heart he breaks

Perfect and true are all his ways

Whom heaven adores, and earth obeys.

Sources of Sorrow — Reproach of the World

We must go out to him, then, outside the camp, bearing the abuse he experienced.

[Heb 13:13 NET]

If on my face, for thy dear name,

Shame and reproach shall be,

I’ll hail reproach, and welcome shame,

If thou remember me.