When Pain Arises

Pain is such an interesting thing. Whether emotional or physical, pain reminds us that we are human. It's easy to ignore things or let them slide when you are feeling fine, but suddenly your back seizes up or something unexpected rears it's ugly head and you are forced to stop and pay attention, because quite frankly, you can't think of anything else. Sometimes when you are asleep you may get some temporary relief from your pain, but it is faithfully waiting there for you when you wake up.

So, what choices do we have when Pain decides to move in? It could be that your marriage is on the rocks, your child had gone astray, or you've been diagnosed with cancer. It could be that you are stuck in bed or in a chair because you are sick or have had surgery. In these moments it is so easy to let the spirit of depression move in. That lurking enemy who preys on your most vulnerable moments. The one who takes you deeper and deeper into a place of self pity, self loathing, and a general attitude of my life sucks. This spirit wants you to feel alone, to feel like you are the only one and that everyones life is better then yours. Saying yes to this spirit robs us of the joy, the bible talks about, that comes through perseverance. The joy that comes when we praise Jesus through the storms of life. The joy that comes, through our broken tears, when we choose to thank God for what we do have, instead of dwelling on what we don't.  You see, depression isn't our only choice. Anger and bitterness don't have to win. There is a way to find sunshine when your life is in a horrific thunder storm. Say His name. With thankfulness, joy and adoration in your heart, say His name. The name of Jesus can change the course of our lives and the attitude of our hearts. He came to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives. He came to release us from darkness. Not only did He come to free us, but He also came to comfort us, restore us, and display us for His glory.

So the next time one of your "familiar friends" tries to knock on your door and drag you down, preying on your pain, remember that your Real Friend is holding out His hand, ready to brush you off and walk with you until you reach the other side.

Until next time...

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.