Suffering

Where in the heck does suffering come from? We all ask that question don't we - If God is so good why do I have to suffer? We ask some version of it at some point in our life. Why is the biggest question we want an answer to. I think that one of the major reasons that we "suffer" if because we fail to find the real wisdom of God. We fail to really see what God has in store for us, and we fail to give up our selfs, our egos, because we think it will be hefty a price to pay. However, that is where the real wisdom, the real life of God lives!

Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."

James 3:17-4:1-6

We all, including myself, lust for what we do not have. We think that in some way it will "complete us." We think that if we could just get......(you fill in the blank with whatever, it does not have to be material) then we would be happy. If we could just get someone to love us more. If we could just get someone to forgive us. If we could just get someone to understand. If we could just pay off all the debt we have. If.......... This drives our anger and frustration sometimes to the point that we actually act out in anger, rage, or depression. Since we cannot get what we think will cure our ills, we experience pain. When we experience pain and continue to hold to the thought that we need something to solve the pain we create our own suffering. I heard this a very short time ago:

Pain happens to everyone, suffering is choosing to hang onto that pain

So true life in God is learning how to get along with everyone. It is being able to give up our own desires, our ego, and learn that God gives us what we need and trusting that. It is trusting that every situation, every interaction is a spiritual one that is not a coincidence, but actually coincides when God has planned. It is being able to sit back and trust this. Pain is attempting to control that and make it happen the way we think it needs to. Suffering is holding onto that pain and continuing to believe we have to make it so or we will never experience freedom. Freedom is found in letting go of ourselves. Remember Jesus said that if you lose your life you will find it.

Namaste'