Devotions and Resources for Times of Suffering

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (Psalm 13:1-2).

You may be in a place in life where the words of the Psalmist echo your own prayers: questioning God’s plan and wondering how long you can endure your current suffering. After all, no one is promised a life free of the pain and sorrow caused by our sinful world.

In times when we feel that God is far away, we can find solace and direction in his Word. To dive deeper into Scripture’s wisdom for times of suffering, consider these five short devotions and five blogs from Christian authors pointing us to our eternal comfort in Christ.

5 Short Devotions on Suffering:

Peace in Suffering

When we face tough times or when it feels like the world is against us, that can actually be a moment when we can know the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Joy in the Face of Suffering

James explains that trials and sufferings in the lives of believers produce a stronger and more robust faith. And faith, as Peter puts it… is more valuable than gold.

Sin, Suffering, and Salvation

Yes, we still sin. And we still suffer. But sin no longer has the power to separate us from God. Jesus saw to that.

Comfort in Suffering

The psalmist’s suffering drives him deeper into God’s Word, and he meditates on it even as he waits sleeplessly through the night, finding comfort in God’s promises.

Suffering with Christ

When persecution and suffering come as a result of following Christ, we can receive it with joy and thanks for the sake of God's kingdom.

5 Christian Blogs on Suffering:

Why Do We Suffer?

“It is a question as old as humanity itself: why is there suffering in the world?” Rev. Scott Hoezee, co-host of our sister ministry Groundwork, provides a thorough, Scripture-based explanation for the problem of suffering and offers hope for a future free of pain and sorrow.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

“‘Why does God allow such suffering?’ I don’t know the answer. But I do know that Jesus’ words about suffering have spoken powerfully to me.” Writer Chris Hunt presents wisdom from Scripture and his own lived experience to explain how Christians can endure the reality of suffering.

Does God Hate Me?

“‘Does God hate me?’ It’s a soul-wrenching question—but it is important to know that you are not alone in your pain or your questioning.” Writing for our sister ministry, Groundwork, Robin Basselin walks through examples of believers in the Bible who have also wrestled with God through the suffering in their lives, offering confident hope that God is with us always.

Finding God in the Midst of Pain

“Our reality on earth is at times full of death, mourning, crying, and pain, causing us to wonder: Where is God in my suffering?” Writer Jordan An explains how we can find encouragement in our pain through God, community, and the hope that Scripture promises.

Finding Eternal Comfort in God

“When you find yourself questioning God, take comfort that we, like David, can question God in faith.” Trusting God does not mean that we never have questions when hard times come. Rev. Jeff Bulthius, editor of the Today Devotion, points to David’s example in trusting God despite his doubts.

Regardless of what in life is causing you pain and suffering, we pray that you find comfort and rest in God’s promise that “...after you have suffered a little while, [God] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10, NIV).

Looking for more free resources on finding God in our pain? Subscribe to Today for free and get our Seeking God in Suffering ebook.