He Takes No Pleasure in Making Life Hard

If he works severely, he also works tenderly.

    His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.

He takes no pleasure in making life hard,

    in throwing roadblocks in the way. 

Lamentations 3:32-33

Last week, in talking about periods of spiritual aridity ("The Silence of God" post), I explained that the dry or hard times may be what makes us the “sweetest,” like grapes on the vine.  I certainly know it softens and humbles arrogant and difficult Christians.  I have seen many adults go through a job loss, a lost love, a health crisis, a period of doubt and struggle and come out nicer people, deeper people than they were before.  

We have to have faith that God knows what He’s doing.  As this scripture from Lamentations explains, God’s not trying to make life hard for us.  He doesn’t want to “throw roadblocks” in our way.  He’s trying to help us get there, not keep us out.  

But He does “work severely.”  Like the pruning gardener, He will cut off branches and He may cut us way back at times.  But I love that He works tenderly.  I occasionally ask God to show me my sins, but I always beg Him to show me gently so I don’t get devastated or crushed by the revelation.  And He does. 

Hallelujah that “His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.”