Does God enjoy watching people suffer?
Hi. Thanks for your honest and sincere questions.
To find out about God, the Bible is primarily the best place to go.
That, along with creation tells us much about God. Then we have the testimonies of those who are servants of God - past, and present.
The bible reveals that God is not the cause of our suffering, nor does God delight in the suffering of others, because God cares about you. James 1:13-15; 1 Peter 5:7
The Bible also reveals that God will end all suffering, and greatly desires to do so. Revelation 21:3-5
Creation tells us that God cares very much about us, and rather than want to see us suffering, wants to to enjoy life.
We have an abundance of food, water, and other good gifts, for everyone to be contented. However, we know that greed exists, and so, as a result, we see others suffer.
Servants of God in the past, like David, Job (We'll come back to Job), Hannah, Ruth and Naomi... the list is quite long... all testified to the goodness of God.
David sang many beautiful song about God's goodness.
For example, at Psalm 34:8, David sang, "taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him."
The Bible repeatedly uses the expression, "blessed is the man" or "blessed are those", in connection with the one trusting in God.
Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of LORD JEHOVAH makes rich and there shall be no sorrow with it."
James 5:11 says God "is full of compassion and mercy."
Servants of God too, testify to the goodness of God.
However, we have realistic expectations, since we live in a world that is controlled by the evil one.
we do not expect that there will be no suffering.
God is more aware of this, and he has put in motion the perfect solution to the problem. 1 John 3:8; Romans 16:20
The bible says he doesn’t give more than a person can handle.. so if you are blessed to be born with mental health and depression issues and your daily life is a struggle what is that supposed to mean in the long run?
At Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, Come to Me, all
you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke
is easy and My burden is light.”
The yoke Jesus gives us is light. Not heavy.
In fact, Jesus gives us that yoke, in order to relief us of our heavy burden.
Interestingly, that scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:13 does not say, God puts loads on us, but rather, God does not allow / let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
In other words, the loads that this world, and its ruler puts on us, God does not allow more to come on us, than we are able to bear, but he gives us what we need to bear up under our loads.
As the scriptures say, he truly cares for us.
Over time, those burdens that we now bear, will become lighter, as we endure Romans 5:3-5, and in the long run, they will vanish. We would not even remember them. Romans 8:18; Isaiah 65:17
Does God only give half effort to help you while watching over others who prosper? The world is getting more difficult and it’s getting harder to keep up. Your perspective would be appreciated
You are right about the world getting more difficult.
This is cause for rejoicing, though that may sound strange.
Sadly, more and more people find it hard to cope, and we do suffer great losses. For example, the war in Ukraine affected many people greatly. However, those trusting in God, maintain their joy, despite these losses, because they have what is needed to get us through these difficult times.
Nehemiah 8:10 - "...neither be ye grieved; for the joy of Jehovah is your strength."
God gives full support. Never half hearted. Isaiah 41:8-10
Does God care for those not his people?
Everything God is doing right now, is to the benefit of all mankind, who wants it. Genesis 22:18
True, we suffer in the meantime, but remembering Romans 8:18 can help.
Jesus did this, when he was about to suffer, and during his suffering. Hebrews 12:2.
We are encouraged to imitate him.