Karma implies that when we are blessed we must be doing something right, and when we suffer... well, then we must have done something wrong to deserve it! The burden of karma all too often is guilt, shame and blame together. The sad consequence is physical, emotional and spiritual isolation. The book of Job reminds us that this is not a "biblical theology of suffering." God's thoughts are NOT our thoughts and His ways are NOT our ways. A biblical theology of suffering is woven throughout the Bible and expressed beautifully in so many places such as the Psalms, Isaiah, the Gospels, and more. We see God's people crying out to Him, trying to deal with the unfathomable and make sense of the challenges in their lives. We also see them choosing to trust in Him, knowing that He is their refuge and strength, and holding onto a knowledge that He has not abandoned them. 

When we struggle to justify what is happening, or even listen to others try to justify or explain, the pain can be overwhelming. Job stated simply and powerfully, "My spirit is broken." (Job 17:1) It is one of the saddest things that the deepest wounds are those often caused by other believers. The reality is that there are often no answers to the question of why we suffer, but God is still God. If you read Job 38-39 you can see God's answer to Job and his friends. How can we possibly begin to understand His ways and His thoughts?! Our God cannot be put into a box! However, there are still eternal truths which hold firm: He is all powerful, He is unconditionally loving, He is always present, He has not forgotten you, He hears the cry of your heart.