Affliction is a common experience for the saints, those who are set apart for God's purposes. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to respond to their trials by turning to God and deepening their devotion to Him. This entry explores the biblical basis for this response and highlights key passages that illustrate the transformative power of affliction when met with faith and devotion.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently teaches that affliction serves a divine purpose, often drawing believers closer to God. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes" (Psalm 119:71). This verse underscores the idea that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's Word.

Similarly, the prophet Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance and renewed devotion in the face of their troubles: "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds" (Hosea 6:1). Here, affliction is portrayed as a catalyst for returning to God, who is both just and merciful.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the theme of turning to God in times of affliction is further developed. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, speaks of the comfort and hope found in God amidst suffering: "For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows" (2 Corinthians 1:5). Paul emphasizes that affliction is not without purpose; it is an opportunity to experience God's comfort and to share that comfort with others.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the role of trials in the life of a believer: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). This passage encourages believers to view affliction as a means of strengthening their faith and fostering perseverance.

Examples of Devotion Amidst Affliction

The Bible provides numerous examples of saints who turned to God in their affliction and found strength and renewal. Job, despite his intense suffering, remained devoted to God, declaring, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Job's unwavering faith amidst his trials serves as a powerful testament to the importance of devotion in times of distress.

King David, often pursued by enemies and facing personal turmoil, consistently sought refuge in God. In Psalm 34:17-19 , he writes, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all." David's life exemplifies a pattern of turning to God for deliverance and strength.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the call to turn and devote themselves to God during affliction remains relevant. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and participation in the community of faith are vital practices that can help sustain and deepen one's relationship with God during difficult times. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God, "because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7), reminding them of God's intimate concern for their well-being.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently affirms that affliction, while challenging, is an opportunity for saints to turn to God and renew their devotion. Through faith and perseverance, believers can experience God's presence and comfort, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and maturity.Psalm 116:7-9
Return to your rest, O my soul; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 50:3,4
For out of the north there comes up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return to the LORD: for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has smitten, and he will bind us up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Question Lxxxii of Devotion
... the devotion which we have to the Saints of God ... religious people, and for their sake
they should put aside ... heart: A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit;[94 ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxii of devotion.htm

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
... of the Holy Spirit breathes upon the afflicted mind, forthwith ... we observe sometimes,
when even saints go astray ... been made preachers of humility should glory in ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle iv to cyriacus bishop.htm

The Mystery
... eaten and filled themselves, they will turn to other ... idolatrous beast, of warring
with the saints, he exercises ... of the assembly, so likewise it should be in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

A Divided Heart
... are reckoned good and honorable are afflicted with it. ... himself among the sheep when
he should have been ... standing in the midst of ministers, saints and apostles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a divided heart.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... yet you can extend it "to the saints that are ... Accordingly, should he see his house
by the removal of ... If he is afflicted with disease, the sharpness of the pain ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... although a man may appear to be afflicted with evils ... order, and in the same method,
we should come to ... accordingly applies not to believers and saints, but to ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... He in his turn, when the case required, reminded ... by the many billows of causes, and
afflicted by the ... slayer and murderer of the saints, should be, nevertheless ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... thy closet nor in the congregation of saints. ... other places, and God's people should
shun it ... they so needlessly and unprofitably afflicted themselves, offend God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... yet you can extend it "to the saints that are ... Accordingly, should he see his house
by the removal of ... If he is afflicted with disease, the sharpness of the pain ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... asceticism; for half-converted pagans, the early saints served in ... the custom arose
that no person should marry without ... to close the eyes of her afflicted father ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

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