Whatever Your Afflictions, God Is Near
“You have taken away my companions and loved ones; darkness is my closest friend.” (Psalm 88:18) — Heman, on the suffering of affliction
Heman, a musician, was among the wisest men appointed by King David (1 Kings 4:31).
Heman had four key afflictions:
Weakness (Psalm 88:4)
Sickness (Psalm 88:15)
Loneliness (Psalm 88:18)
Darkness (Psalm 88:6, 18)
Heman became discouraged, brokenhearted, and miserable in his affliction.
What do believers do during the toughest trials? They lift up holy hands and strengthen feeble knees (Hebrews 12:12).
WEAKNESS
We may have weaknesses, but we shouldn’t keep dwelling on them or burdening our spirit with negative speech. A time is coming when every heart will melt and every spirit will faint (Ezekiel 21:6–7). The disciples fell asleep instead of praying (Matthew 26:40–41). How do we find strength? God gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:28–29). Now is the time to be strong.
SICKNESS
Scholars suggest Heman may have suffered from leprosy — no one could come near him. Old leprosy represents old, evil natures, much like the perpetual vengeance described in Ezekiel 35:5. Pride, anger, division, wrath, and rebellion are deep-rooted, leprous natures in man. King David said he was stuck in soul and body (Psalm 41:3–4). Whatever the sickness, Jesus is our healer. Modern medicine is all worthless and lies (Job 13:4).
LONELINESS
In the end, Jesus was left all alone (John 16:32). Yet though He was alone, He wasn’t lonely — the Father was always with Him. During our toughest trials, loneliness may try to overcome us too. Hold on to the promises of God, and seek a deeper walk with Jesus.
DARKNESS
At some point in life, we’ll find ourselves engulfed in a darkness that terrifies the soul (Job 23:17). We may be led into darkness, only to be reminded of God’s marvelous light (Lamentations 3:2) — a call to hope in Him, for He is faithful. Darkness is all around us, yet God keeps us as lights; He shines His light in and through us.
Dear saint, whatever your affliction, God is near. Seek Him as we near the end — Jesus is coming soon.
Maranatha. Praise God. Amen.
