Topical Encyclopedia Prayer under affliction is a profound spiritual exercise that draws believers closer to God, especially during times of suffering and uncertainty. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the eternal sovereignty of God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of seeking God through prayer when faced with life's uncertainties.Biblical Foundation The Scriptures frequently address the theme of life's uncertainty and the believer's response through prayer. In James 4:14 , we are reminded, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse underscores the fleeting nature of human existence and the need to rely on God, who is eternal and unchanging. The Psalms are replete with prayers that reflect on the brevity of life and the believer's dependence on God. Psalm 39:4-5 states, "Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." Here, the psalmist prays for wisdom to understand the shortness of life, prompting a deeper reliance on God. Purpose of Prayer Under Affliction Prayer during affliction serves several purposes. It is a means of seeking comfort and strength from God, acknowledging human frailty, and cultivating a heart of humility. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , the Apostle Paul recounts God's response to his own affliction: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Through prayer, believers learn to embrace their weaknesses and find strength in God's grace. Moreover, prayer under affliction teaches believers to trust in God's providence and timing. In Psalm 90:12 , Moses prays, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom." This prayer reflects a desire to live wisely and purposefully, recognizing that life is a gift from God and should be lived in accordance with His will. Examples from Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who turned to prayer during times of affliction, learning valuable lessons about the uncertainty of life. Job, a man who experienced profound suffering, exemplifies this. In Job 14:1-2 , he laments, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." Despite his trials, Job's prayers reflect a deep trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. King David, too, often prayed during times of distress, seeking God's guidance and deliverance. In Psalm 31:14-15 , he declares, "But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me." David's prayers reveal a heart that acknowledges God's control over the uncertainties of life. Practical Application For believers today, prayer under affliction is an opportunity to grow in faith and understanding of God's purposes. It encourages a posture of surrender, recognizing that life is uncertain but God is steadfast. By turning to prayer, believers can find peace and assurance in God's promises, even amidst life's trials. Incorporating prayer into daily life, especially during times of affliction, helps believers to remain focused on eternal truths rather than temporal circumstances. It fosters a deeper relationship with God, who is the ultimate source of comfort and hope in a world marked by uncertainty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 39:4LORD, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God Inward Witness to the Truth of the Gospel. Christian Morals. Part iii. Acts XX Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. 1 Cor. vii. 1, 2 The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Paul's thorn in the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What are the three woes of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Affliction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Consolation Under Affliction by Ministers of the Gospel Consolation Under Affliction in Prospect of Death Consolation Under Affliction is a Cause of Praise Consolation Under Affliction is Abundant Consolation Under Affliction is Everlasting Consolation Under Affliction is Sought in Vain from the World Consolation Under Affliction is Strong Consolation Under Affliction: Christ is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: God is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: Pray For Consolation Under Affliction: Promised Consolation Under Affliction: Saints should Administer to Each Other Consolation Under Affliction: The Holy Spirit is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: Through the Holy Scriptures Consolation Under Affliction: To the Persecuted Consolation Under Affliction: To the Poor Consolation Under Affliction: To the Sick Consolation Under Affliction: To the Tempted Consolation Under Affliction: To the Troubled in Mind Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Deserted by Friends Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Who Mourn for Sin Consolation Under Affliction: Under the Infirmities of Age Prayer Under Affliction for Deliverance Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Comfort Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Teaching and Direction Prayer Under Affliction for Increase of Faith Prayer Under Affliction for Mercy Prayer Under Affliction for Mitigation of Troubles Prayer Under Affliction for Pardon and Deliverance from Sin Prayer Under Affliction for Protection and Preservation from Enemies Prayer Under Affliction for Restoration to Joy Prayer Under Affliction for the Presence and Support of God Prayer Under Affliction: Exhortation To Prayer Under Affliction: That God Would Consider Our Trouble Prayer Under Affliction: That the Holy Spirit May not be Withdrawn Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Quickened Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Taught the Uncertainty of Life Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Turned to God Prayer Under Affliction: That we May Know the Causes of Our Trouble Related Terms |
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