Sunday, September 14, 2008

Pain...It's Good For Us?

Pain, according to World Book Dictionary means: a feeling of being hurt, mental suffering, grief, sorrow, punishment, and penalty.

In recent months it seems pain has been my constant companion. Physically, mentally and spiritually I have experienced pain to some degree. Why would I state that this could be good for me?


Pain is usually a symptom that something is wrong. I am not a believer of the often taught doctrine that says: If you are sick it is because you are in sin, or if you have financial difficulties it is because you are in sin, etc.

I do believe that there are times when we are reaping the harvest of our behavior therefore we may end up sick because we have treated our bodies poorly or we may face financial crisis because we have made poor financial choices or that we may suffer spiritually because we chose to ignore God’s voice and run like Jonah did. But I also stand on God’s word that clearly teaches us that some illness and pain in our lives is merely caused so that the work of God may be displayed in our lives. Read John 9:1-3

During the times that pain seems so prevalent in my life I find myself seeking answers more than ever before. If the pain is physical I purpose to find out why it is there and if there is some cause for it. A broken bone, an infection, a pulled muscle are a few things that may cause physical pain. Treating the pain is not going to heal the bone, infection or muscle. You need to treat the actual cause.

The same holds true for mental or spiritual pain or suffering. I can seek treatment for depression, anxiety, fear, addiction or many other symptoms but I will never be completely whole until I can find out what is causing the symptom.

As I have studied and sought the Lord over the past months and even years I have come to realize that most of the mental and spiritual symptoms I face are caused because of a breach in my relationship with my Lord. When I face times of loneliness, anxiety, depression or fear it is usually because I have failed to keep my relationship strong with my creator. I have allowed outside influences to sever my ties with Him. I have chosen to focus more on circumstances rather than to focus on God.

Psalm 42:5 “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

For a time the writer of the above Psalm focused on self but came to the realization that turning the focus to his Savior and God changed everything. When symptoms well up within me I have a sure answer to the problem. Turn my spirit, my soul (mind, will and emotions) back to the Lord and find rest and refreshing. I am grateful that God has placed a built in warning system within me. He’s given me times of pain, suffering, sorrow, grief and even punishment to bring me back so my focus is on Him.

And, in those times when my eyes are on Him and my relationship with Him is strong yet the pain comes flooding into my soul, I still can stand strong and trust that even through this His Work Will Be Displayed!!

Have you faced pain in your life lately? Put your hope in God, and continue to praise Him while he works it out.

Considering It All Joy,
Cindy

20 comments:

  1. What beautiful words you have!! Loved this!

    ps- doing a giveaway thought you might like to check it out!

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  2. Focus is such a key.

    Just this morning in my devotional time I read that whatever we focus on we idolize - even if it's something we hate! If we focus on pain, the pain becomes our idol. Beth Moore writes, "...Satan had seized my imagination until the whole situation stole my focus and therefore became idolatrous to me."

    I know that has been true in my life. Praying the Lord will keep my eyes fixed on Him.

    Blessings,
    Joy

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  3. Perseverance...sometimes when I am in pain...I think about what is was like for my Lord to walk all those steps to the cross for me. I cannot even comprehend the pain He endured for me. It helps me focus and perservere!

    Love to you Cindy, may your week be focused on Him!

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  4. Cindy-I will be praying for your ministry that starts tomorrow. Knowing if God called you to it...He will supply everything He needs to do it!

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  5. Wow. Really powerful post! It is often my tendency to want to get out of the pain as quickly as possible. I think what God desires is that we seek him intensely and grow THROUGH the pain. Thank you for this Cindy.

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  6. Hey, Cindy! I'm visiting your blog for the first time from "On Purpose". I am so excited that you are starting the Women's ministry tomorrow! I would love to just encourage you along this path! I am many steps behind you! I have felt GOd's calling me to step up in faith this summer and start a Women's ministry at our church. It is S..l..o..w..l..y coming to fruition! I would love to pray for you and your team. Please keep me posted as to how things are going! My email is
    scrunnermom@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you!
    Blessings,
    Susan

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  7. Oh, what perfect timing for me to read this! Thank you for sharing this post.

    Looking forward to your input on Tuesday's with the YES to GOD study! I love meeting new people and reading what others have to share.

    Blessings,
    Lelia

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  8. Wonderful thoughts, beautifully expressed and felt

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  9. Good morning Cindy! Oh goodness yes I've experienced pain. I do so often when I take my eyes off of HIM. You'd think I'd learn. I say I'm not going to find myself in that situation again, but lo and behold seems I end up in trouble again. He is training me. You think I'd learn quicker. ha Thanks.

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  10. Hi AZ Cindy! Glad to meet another AZ blogger! I was just telling my hubby about the powerful connection I have with bloggers I have never met in person. I hope to get to know you better and even meet for coffee one of these days! Lee in Gilbert

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  11. Wonderful encouraging post!

    Thank you for all of your comments and prayers for our family during this hurricane. While we are fine, there are many around us that are experiencing the pain you have just described. I hope we can be a light and a help to them!

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  12. Just wanted to thank you for your sweet words yesterday!

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  13. Thanks for your friendship! Your support means the whole to me.
    Cindy

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Hi Friend, I read and cherish every single comment you leave! You bring Joy to my heart! Blessings, Cindy