Sometimes the pain we feel can be too much…
Pain is part of us, all around us and almost impossible to avoid! It comes in all forms; physical pain, emotional pain, and even spiritual pain! In fact, if you meet someone who claims never to have experienced pain, he or she is clearly lying to himself or herself! Even David, the great man of God, experienced such deep pain to the point when he began to ask God questions.
Psalm 73:13-14” Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.” (NIV)
You can imagine what he must have been feeling to even think that he had kept his heart pure in vain. David’s feelings are however not unique. There have been times when I have asked that question. The incident I remember most vividly is when I was working at a school where the boss had it in for me. It did not matter how well I did my job, or how much I stretched myself – he was always quick to rejoice in my mistakes. At some point, I was so discouraged that I began to ask God why he was making life so painful.
Over the years, when I have had such moments, I have turned to the Word of God for encouragement and found the following gems within. I hope they encourage you.
God feels my pain – I am not alone
Psalm 56:8 “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (NLT)
The word of God says it clearly – he keeps track of all our sorrows. He does not ignore what we go through; instead, he takes note of each one of them. The best part is, he does not just write them down in his book, he does something about the pain – binding up our wounds.
Psalm 147:3 ”He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (NLT)
Would God take time to bind up our wounds if they did not mean something to him? Certainly not! Although God lets us go through the pain, he is right there to help us through the painful seasons, holding us tight in his comforting presence.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (NLT)
Are you feeling like the pain you are experiencing is too much to handle? Are you also wondering where God has hidden? Well, he is right there with you, for he is close to those who are crushed, broken and in pain, ready to rescue, comfort and bind up your wounds. Take heart.
God knows why – it is part of his plan
I must admit this has been one of the hardest lessons for me to accept over the years – the fact that God knows why he lets bad things happen. Why would a God who is so loving allow me to go through such pain? If he has the power to shield us from bad experiences, why does he let us go through them anyway – even when we are walking uprightly? The simple but painful answer is – God uses pain to draw us closer to him and to keep us on track.
Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (NLT)
Let me break this down. God takes pride in those who walk in his ways, right? Because of our sinful nature, however, we sometimes step out his perfect ‘path’, ending up in big trouble. To bring us back, therefore, he directs our steps via the painful path of restoration – a path that is very uncomfortable, I must admit. The good thing is, however, God walks with us on this path, holding our hands. Also, consider why God goes to so much trouble for the righteous… because he loves them, takes pride in them, and does not want the enemy to snatch them away.
At this point, I must confess that when the pain is deepest, I struggle with the fact that God knows why he allows such pain to come my way. It is a hard process! What I have noted, however, is that when I go into God’s presence and cry out to him, he ALWAYS comforts me.
God is my strength even in the dark times
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (NIV)
When pain is at its peak, many of us feel hopeless, weak and ready to give up on life. At that very point when you are about to give up, though, God steps in, strengthening you miraculously. He literally lifts your heart out of the deep hole, and your body off the floor. In short, he becomes your strength!
Friends, we must, however, recognize that God does not force his strength on us – we need to ask for it. A cry, a whisper, a fleeting prayer and a shout are all ways of asking for his help; he will automatically know that you need him. Just remember to ask!
Let me conclude by saying this – pain is part of our lives. This pain is however known to God, within his reach, and important to him. God knows all that you are going through. Don’t be angry with him; talk to him and tell him how you feel, and walk through the shadows together.
Psalm 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (NLT)
Hi, everyone! As always, I would love to hear from you. Let me know what stood out for you in this article, and what comments you may have. If you loved the article, please like it, share it with your friends and subscribe! See you next week! Alison
Know anyone interested in this opportunity? Please share! https://maragates.com/scholarship