The Scriptures abound in words of consolation and exhortation adapted to encourage the afflicted. Two main considerations may be mentioned. (1) The thought of the beneficent sovereignty of God "Yahweh reigneth; let the earth rejoice," even though "clouds and darkness are round about him" (Ps 97:1-2); "All things work together for good to them that love God' (Ro 8:28 the King James Version). Since love is on the throne of the universe, we may rest assured that all things are meant for our good. (2) The thought that tribulation is of brief duration, in comparison with the Joy that shall follow (Ps 30:5; Isa 54:7 f; Joh 16:22); a thought which culminates in the hope of immortality. This hope is in the Old Testament only beginning to dawn, and gives but a faint and flickering light, except in moments of rare exaltation and insight, when the thought of a perfect future blessedness seemed to offer a solution of the enigmas of life (Job 19:25-27; Ps 37:1-40; 49:1-20; 73:1-28). But in the New Testament it is a postulate of faith, and by it the Christian is able to fortify himself in affliction, remembering that his affliction is light and momentary compared with the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" which is to issue out of it (2Co 4:17 the King James Version; compare Mt 5:12; Ro 8:18). Akin to this is the comfort derived from the thought of the near approach of Christ's second coming (Jas 5:7-8). In view of such truths as these, the Bible encourages the pious in trouble to show the spirit of patience (Ps 37:7; Lu 21:19; Ro 12:12; Jas 1:3-4; 5:7-11; 1Pe 2:20), and even the spirit of positive joy in tribulation (Mt 5:11 f; Ro 5:3; 2Co 12:10; Jas 1:2,12; 1Pe 4:13). In the New Testament emphasis is laid on the example of Jesus in patient endurance in suffering (Joh 16:33; Jas 5:7-11; 1Pe 2:19-23; 3:17 f). Above all, the Scriptures recommend the afflicted to take refuge in the supreme blessedness of fellowship with God, and of trust in His love, by which they may enter into a deep peace that is undisturbed by the trials and problems of life (Ps 73:1-28, especially Ps 23:1-6 through Ps 28:1-9; Isa 26:3-4; Joh 14:1,27; Php 4:7; et passim).
D. Miall Edwards