The problem of pain sits in shadows. Valleys. Sometimes hidden.
Walking by faith, we navigate broken streets. And journey with hurting people.
Face to face with a biblical reality.
“For we know that the whole creation groans…” (Romans 8:22 NASB).
We cry out
We cry out on behalf of those long suffering. Asking for relief. Healing.
Pleading for mercy.
In my mind, the answer should be miracles shining His glory that all may see.
The one afflicted, set free.
And we pray for that.
Earnestly.
Pain
But I’ve witnessed the ongoing.
Debilitating pain. Changing the hopes and dreams of individuals. Families. Offering an unexpected and unwanted journey.
So, the whisper in my heart grows louder over the years. “Let nothing be wasted.”
Let it not be for nothing.
Your glory
And along the way, I’ve seen Your glory. Displayed in and through the pain.
Beauty revealed in the midst of ashes. Humor rising against bitterness. Honesty, yes. But not in a spirit of complaint.
Perseverance. Endurance.
Serving.
Surrendering to Your way. By faith.
Valley of suffering
Hope still reigns in the valley of suffering.
The Lord provides. And shepherds.
Help us to see. And sing Your praise.
“Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 CSB
What about you?
Do you live with pain? Walk in suffering? How has the Lord helped you on this journey?
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5 replies on “Pain”
Psalm 18 became my go-to psalm during a season of pain. Such honesty and beauty.
My husband has endured pain for years! We have been in the states for 10 years now, due to his debilitating pain. Yet we see Him walking along side of us all the way. Some days he feels so close that we could touch Him, while other days, he’s there, just not breathing on our necks. My family is assuredly living a blessed life despite all the struggles. God is SO good!
I am blessed not to have physical pain very often and I want to be thankful for it. I’m reminded when my close friend is suffering and I pray for her salvation and her physical healing – dreaming of the day that she knows how precious she is to God!
The problem of pain reminds me of Joseph’s story. One of the best books I’ve ever read is When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada
Thanks for the recommendation. And thanks for calling others to pray…