Pondering God

Suffering can be used to get our attention, and this is prime time for God. We think more, question, and figure. We open our minds and set aside all our doctrines and frameworks for how life should proceed. Suffering can be sacred ground.

I first met God on it, this sacred ground of suffering. I was six, and I was hurting. I saw a man on a cross, and I was told he was God. He was hurting, too. From that moment on, I was drawn to him. I found odd comfort, odd strength, and I didn’t feel so alone.

We are not alone when we suffer. And if we allow that hurt to open us toward God, we are going to hear from him. I don’t know what you will hear. It will be in your “language,” suited to where you are, what bothers you, and how you need to grow. It will make your frameworks give. And it will be chock full of mercy, for you to receive and for you to give.

Pick up your suffering. Pick up the suffering of others that hurts your heart. Turn and offer it to God, and then do what our animal friends do when they hear something odd. Listen! Discern! Expect to receive. You will not come away unchanged. The realization may take some time, but change will come.

Reflection

What suffering do you feel compelled to bring to God? Why? When will you follow through?

Prayer

What does it matter, God, if I bring my suffering or that of others to you? Obviously, you’re not making moves to take it all away! What do I expect from you? What should I expect from you? And how does the image of you on that cross inform my thinking? It’s not our suffering and you. It’s us. You suffer too. What are we to do with this?