Suffering and Trust

One of my favorite squibs is the probing insight on the popular “bumper snicker”: If you feel far from God, guess who moved!

If you feel far from God in the midst of your suffering, you’re in good company; even the holy prophet Jeremiah moved away from God by doubting his trustworthiness: “Why is my pain unending? . . . Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, a spring that fails?” (Jer 15:18). You may be thirsting for God’s help, but, like Jeremiah, you may find God to be “a spring that fails” in the midst of the miseries and trials you’re undergoing--and also the ones you fear in the uncertain future. You may truly want to maintain trust in divine providence amidst such agonizing situations as a multitude of physical ailments and pains, or emotional pressures like worry about the danger of being victimized by criminals or terrorists, fear of the meltdown of the economy, the struggle with overwhelming addictions, or the dread of death. There’s even a deep suffering in concern about your loved ones losing their faith, their jobs, or their health. Holding on to your trust and confidence in the Lord’s providence in situations like these is akin to trying to hold on to a squirming greased pig.

Hopefully, if you admit this weakness, your prayer will become that of the psalmist: “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray” (Ps 119:10). Probably, however, your prayer is distracted with the question, How can I prevent the slippage of my trust in God, especially in the midst of my trials and tribulations? How does one acquire unfaltering trust in God in every event of life, and become acutely aware of--and submit to--his divine trustworthiness? The answer, of course, is that simple word: trust. Plead for that gift often, even daily; we never have enough of it.

This excerpt is from the book Pathways of Trust, by John H. Hampsch,C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and tapes can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408