This post was last updated on May 6, 2026

Day 34 (Year 2)

Suffering Because of Disobeying God’s Words  

“There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, Prisoners in misery and chains, Because they had rebelled against the words of God And spurned the counsel of the Most High.” (Psalm 107:10-11 NASB)

For a person to leave spiritual darkness, he or she usually must first feel that darkness. Darkness is frequently accompanied by suffering and bondage. The word “misery” (‘oni in the Hebrew) can also mean “poverty, affliction, trouble, or great pain.” The word “prisoner” (asir in the Hebrew) also refers to “a bondman.” The above passage clearly states that those who rebel against God’s words and despise His counsel fall into bondage, affliction, darkness, and the shadow of death.

But why do some people in the world clearly disobey God’s words and yet seem to live happily? In reality, their apparent happiness is part of deception. They do not see or feel the darkness and its disastrous consequences. Often, the devil’s work is behind such deception. For this reason, the apparent happiness and freedom of those who disobey God also become a test for those who trust in Him. Should a person betray his or her soul to gain wealth and freedom in this life? Or should he or she learn and obey God’s will, endure hardship, and afterward receive spiritual blessing and joy? Therefore, believers must not look only at immediate choices and results, nor compare ourselves wrongly with others, but instead consider the long-term outcomes.

Looking at the passage above, are all unbelieving rich people truly so happy? Certainly not. There was once a wealthy businessman in Hong Kong who wanted to contribute to environmental protection. However, those around him immediately stopped his plan, because as the head of a publicly listed company, he was not allowed to make decisions that would reduce corporate profits and thus harm his shareholders. This shows that the “chains” binding the rich can be very real. They may even be unable to act in line with their conscience. It seems that many are pursuing various interests but doing wrong. The love of money binds people because most fear lacking wealth. If wealthy people still have a sound conscience, they will know they are living in spiritual darkness and long to leave that darkness and enter God’s light.

Finally, the passage shows that the only way to leave spiritual darkness is to value God’s counsel or will. This involves much learning, many inner changes, and obedience to His words and purpose. Only then can we truly leave the darkness and unbelieving world, but enter into God’s light.

Reflection questions:  

1) When you disobey God’s word, do you feel any misery? Why?  

2) Do you long to break free from all bondage and live according to God’s words and will? If so, what do you most need to learn and change right now?